The Intentional Life: Making of a Spiritual Vocation

The Intentional Life is a selection of short talks given in the 1960s and 70s by a Benedictine abbot to the monks in his charge, on the topic of living their monastic vocation... as though the reader were a fly on the wall in the monks' Chapter Room. It begins with a talk on "man and God" and one on "the monastic instinct," followed by monastic formation talks to novices, to monks making their simple and solemn professions, to monks becoming priests, talks given on the occasion of renewal of vows, and finally talks about monastic work--for instance Ampleforth Abbey ran a boys' school. Benedictine life is profoundly about being in community, and these monks blend contemplative and active life in a way that is somewhat relatable for people living "in the world," though indeed with an emphatic intentionality and discipline (through vows, rule, obedience, schedule, etc). A good monk chooses this life freely and lives it with love and integrity. The guidance given in the book is of a practical and exhortive nature. It is about the ordinary fabric of the monk's life--full commitment, humility, the great importance of prayer, obedience and keeping one's vows and rule of life, etc. "The Intentional Life" is not a basic explanation of life at the monastery nor is it soaring mysticism. And it isn't written specifically to make monastic wisdom relevent and interesting for laypeople. But thoughtful readers serious about deepening their spiritual lives through greater whole-life commitment may find some very human yet soulful insights into what works for that and why and how.

This is a great book for those seeking insights into their personal vocations. Hume addresses a Benedictine novice in this book but many of the lessons that he speaks of can be applied to other walks in life, including married life and the single life. Clearly this is most relevant to a R.C. audience but I think others can read and relate to most of it without too much difficulty. His style is personable and conversational -- uncommon for authors of his caliber.