This Monastic Moment
The War of the Spirit & the Rule of Love
- Prayer & Spiritual Formation
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
"Kairos refers to moments in chronological time when all hell is breaking loose and we are called to change our ways before we are dragged into the abyss. Kairos is apocalyptic time, and it is here and now. "Such is the time in which we need to listen again to . . . St Benedict of Nursia. "Far too many of us Christians have either been seduced by the false values of the age and the spirit of Christian triumphalism, or else have been attracted to gnostic forms of spirituality that provide a means of escape from reality and responsibility. Any delay in responding to this kairos moment increases the danger that we fail to change our ways and grasp the opportunity God gives us to receive the coming kingdom in greater fullness now. So, St Benedict, fifteen hundred years after he wrote his Rule, continues to tell us to 'listen,' 'wake up,' and 'run' while there is still light. . . . This is a time for both contemplation and action, prayer and doing justice, a time for mystics and prophets to join hands and hearts for the sake of the world." --From the Prologue
Endorsements (4)
“A rich and apposite account that informs, transforms, and forms the reader. De Gruchy’s insights will help you discern the mystery that is God, the power and vitality of the church, and the value of the monastic life today. Read this book and formulate a rule to navigate the wilderness of life. Learn from pilgrims who have trod the road before and are now at the covenanting community of Volmoed.”
“In a frightening and fragmenting world, many are asking how Christian faith can resist and counter the divisive tendencies that threaten life on earth. With a wealth of theological insight, historical knowledge, and experience living in a present-day community in South Africa, de Gruchy highlights how awareness of the monastic tradition can resource contemporary experiments in new forms of community, spirituality, and lifestyle. A most timely book.”
“Taking us on a historical and ecclesial journey, de Gruchy invites us to appreciate monastic life as God’s gift to the church. Jesus’ call to follow God and witness to his love brings disciples closer to their deep identity and makes them brothers and sisters of all. Keeping God and the world in their hearts is their prophetic message and a source of inspiration to serve. This is the challenge of This Monastic Moment.”
“Monastic traditions are long and many-sided. Like all real change, the strands begin in withdrawal in order, paradoxically, to engage their moment. This Monastic Moment is a rich historical, exegetical, and theological treatment that beautifully moves this living heritage toward our critical moment. The whole comes together in the final chapter, crafted with compelling insights from Bonhoeffer and Merton. De Gruchy offers a superb, detailed account of—and fund for—our own withdrawal and engagement.”
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