DISCOVERING THE GIFTS OF CISTERCIAN SPIRITUALITY
CARL McCOLMAN
Ave Maria Press Notre Dame, Indiana
Unless noted otherwise, scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture texts marked NABRE are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Scripture texts marked DRV are taken from the Douay-Rheims Version, which is in the public domain.
Scripture texts marked KJV are taken from the Authorized (King James) Version, which is in the public domain.
© 2015 by Carl McColman
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews, without written permission from Ave Maria Press®, Inc., P.O. Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556, 1-800-282-1865.
Founded in 1865, Ave Maria Press is a ministry of the United States Province of Holy Cross.
Paperback: ISBN-13 978-1-59471-615-7
E-book: ISBN-13 978-1-59471-616-4
Cover image @ Le Thoronet Abbey—Cistercian abbey, Provence, France | Fotolia.
Cover by Angela Moody.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.
McColman, Carl.
Befriending silence : discovering the gifts of Cistercian spirituality / Carl McColman.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-59471-615-7 -- ISBN 1-59471-615-3
1. Cistercians--Spiritual life. 2. Spirituality--Christianity. 3. Spiritual life--Christianity. I. Title.
BX3403.M33 2015
248.4’82--dc23
2015018827
AND, OF COURSE,
RHIANNON
We did not come here for the scenery, the architecture, the fresh air, the music, the country life, or for human friendship.… We were brought here that God’s love might live in us.
—Thomas Merton, The Waters of Siloe
The persons I know who are most advanced in prayer are married or engaged in active ministries, running around all day to fulfill their duties.
—Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart
From Bernard’s Valley to Merton’s Mountain
Charism: A Gift from God (with a Greek Accent)
Sacred Stories: Remembering Who We Truly Are
Formation: You Are the Potter, I Am the Clay
Humility: Down-to-Earth Spirituality
Hospitality: Welcoming Christ, Welcoming Others
Compassion and Community: Where Two or Three Are Gathered
Prayer and Liturgy: The Rhythm of the Day
Contemplation: The Star of the Sea
Conversion of Life: A Promise for All Time
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About Befriending Silence: Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian SpiritualityIn Befriending Silence: Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as “the hidden jewel of the Church,” presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today. Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality’s beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient method of contemplative spirituality for all people. Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God. |
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