Rule of the SSJE

This is a great book outlining the rule of life for the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal monastic community in Cambridge, MA. Each rule incorporates scriptural quotation from the Gospel According to John, the Beloved Disciple as well as other biblical references. Each brother vows to live a life of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity. Each of those three "life vows" are well-covered, but the Rule covers much more: hospitality, prayer, worship, silence, retreat, etc. There are 49 short 2 page chapters arranged topically. One does not need to be interested in the monastic life to enjoy this book. It's a great text to explore to assist one in looking at life in a contemplative manner. I encourage people interested to visit the Society's website at www.ssje.org, where you can learn more about the society, listen and subscribe to pod casts, and schedule a retreat at either the monastery in Cambridge, MA or at Emery House in West Newbury, MA. I have attended two retreats, and I highly recommend them!

How do I begin? In this clean and concise volume the entire tapestry of the Society of St. John The Evangelist is unwound for all to see. This monastic group provides and insight to the faith and lives of those men who have devoted their lives to spreading the word of Christ and daily devotions. Each of the chapters in this book can be used for insightful reading and learning about how to approach the spreading of Christ's Love. The book can be used in study groups, as a help to write sermons, and also private study. The Rule can also be used as a starting point on making your walk with Christ more rewarding and focused. I have very much enjoyed this book, and find this `Rule' much more contemporary and understandable than that of Saint Benedict. I highly recommend it to all.