The spirituality and lives of the desert fathers and mothers are often seen as the beginning and end of Christian monastic life. Their stories and messages inspire not only the most devout Christians but also the “nones” and the “dones.” In Desert Dangers and Delights John Michael Talbot reflects on his experience as a spiritual father and a popularizer of Catholic Christian spirituality through his music and teaching. He uses his own stories, Scripture, and the stories and sayings of the desert fathers and mothers to show a radically alternative way of living and thinking in Christ. With questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, this book will aid all readers, from experienced monastics to those just beginning a spiritual journey with Christ.
Jadual kandungan
Contents
Introduction 1
1 Flee the World 7
2 Jesus Christ 14
3 Holy Spirit 23
4 The Monk Within 35
5 The Cell 44
6 Work 54
7 Private Prayer 61
8 Liturgical Prayer 72
9 Sacred Reading and the Writings of the Fathers and Scripture 84
10 Sacred Silence 96
11 Sacred Solitude 102
12 Sacred Stillness and Hesychia 108
13 Thoughts and Demons 115
14 Angels 124
15 Watchfulness 132
16 Spiritual Direction and Revelation of Thoughts 138
17 Obedience 148
18 Dying with Christ 158
19 Repentance and Mercy 166
20 Sorrow and Tears 175
21 Gluttony and Fasting 184
22 Sexual Sin 193
23 Avarice and Poverty 203
24 Anger and Bitterness 212
25 Forgiveness 222
26 Nonresistance 230
27 Boredom and Listlessness 237
28 Self-Glorification and Pride 245
29 Self-Accusation 252
30 Remembrance of Death 259
31 Contemplation 264
Conclusion 271
Mengenai Pengarang
John Michael Talbot is the founder and spiritual father of the Catholic-based community the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He leads an active ministry from Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Arkansas and St. Clare Monastery in Texas. He is also a Grammy and Dove award–winning, multiplatinum selling, contemporary Christian music pioneer and a best-selling author of over thirty books.