September 2011

Lessons from Saint Benedict: Finding Joy in Daily Life, by Donald S. Raila OSB, Sacred Wings Press USA, 2011.

In this book, Fr Donald Raila OSB, for many years a director of oblates, offers a series of his regular reflections on personal experience of a life time of living some of the most important elements of the Rule of Benedict.

The original reflections were written for oblates out of a conviction that the Rule is for all Christians seeking to live a Christ-centred life. The Rule of St Benedict has the potential of enriching every Christian life and to bring real and lasting joy into every Christian soul (p. xii).

The book offer guidance for Christians of all walks of life who seek to enrich their personal experience of living the Gospel as interpreted in the Rule. Beginning with a reflection on “The Rule: Not a formula for good order but a way to live God’s order”, the book offer 26 short reflections on a range of topics such as “Seeking the truth that sets us free”, “Road blocks in life”, “The call to hospitality” and “Preparing for a holy death”.

The short chapters abound in both serious and light-hearted anecdotes from the author’s own life with which the reader can easily identify while trying to live the challenges that confront us on our daily journey through life.

Of particular value is the comprehensive index of topic relevant to daily life, such as vulnerability, mutuality, prayer, hospitality, joy and love in little things, which enable the reader to dip in and out the text to find some words of wisdom, inspiration and guidance on topics relevant to the reader’s personal journey.

While the book can be read from cover to cover, one of its attractions is that each short chapter can stand alone. It offers a fresh and personal insight for readers seeking to live the Rule of St Benedict in our contemporary world.