Always We Begin Again

The size of this "little book" may cause the reader at first to dismiss its importance. It is a volume that one should read and re-read again. Its message, a modern adaptation of very old rules for living, is lively and relevant for today. John McQuiston,II in restating the Rule of St. Benedict in this little book, has opened a pathway to enlightenment and peace for the harried modern. This is truly "soul food".

This simple book guides one in dealing with life in a deeply spiritual way, and one of the truths I take from a daily reading of the book is to put yesterday behind me, don't bother myself with tomorrow which is obviously not yet here, and instead, focus on today. This is profoundly importaant to my life. This book was first given to me by my daughter, and I have bought several other copies to give to members of my family.

I used to own a bookstore (used/new/a little of everything) and I always kept this book on the shelf. It sold regularly, but I didn't get around to reading it until 3 years after I closed the store. It's full of great reminders, insights, spiritual wisdom. One of those books to keep handy and read a little bit now and then. Definitely a keeper (as opposed to those you can get from the library because you'll only read them once and never have any reason to ever refer to them again!!)

When I am willing to challenge myself to try to deepen my spirituality, I re-read this little book. Confronting the twelve steps to humility is a humbling experience in itself, no matter how often I read them.

This little book is, I think, a small miracle. St. Benedict (480 - 543), really the designer of monasticism as it existed in the Western World, wrote his Rule to guide monks through a life of discipline to spiritual realization. There's a great deal of wisdom on that rule, but unfortunately much of it is inaccessable to secular people in the 20th century --- many of us are not strictly Christian these days, most of us not monks or nuns, we live in a much more complex world than existed in the 6th century, etc. A couple years ago, John McQuiston apparently set out on a search for spiritual principles by which to live in everyday life. He found the Rule of Benedict, and recognizing it's inherent wisdom despite the limitations of its original assumed context. He "translated" the Rule, changing Christian symbols to more universal images, changing allusions to monastic asceticisms to analogous practices possible in the modern secular world. The result is an extremely accessible text that transmits (I think) the core values of St. Benedict's message, values that lead us from a self-centeredness & entrapment in the contingencies of daily life to expansion, clarity, and connection with meaning & Mystery. The book is small --- each "chapter" really only takes a minute or two to read, so I have been finding it very helpful as a reflection before meditating, before going to bed, etc. I have also been find that these tiny sections reveal more and more upon rereading. I love this book because, on the one hand, it's not "more to read" in the sense of some onerous task, and yet each small investment of time pays richly in inspiring themes on which to reflect for days. It is idea for any busy person in the modern world seeking a life of greater depth and meaning.