HOW TO BE REALLY WITH IT

by S.J. Bernard Basset

0385042272, 9780385042277 Bernard. Basset Doubleday life, guide, really Unknown 1977-11 PaperbackList Unknown

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this came out in the 70s, it has a title and a cover that kind of turn people off, but they should take a look at it anyway. The author compares "standard of life," which is the main preoccupation of Westerners (dare I say, especially Americans?), with "standard of living," which is what God wants for us. He quotes Christ's "I come that they shall have life, and have it more abundantly," and explores what "abundant" life looks like. In the chapter I'm reading now, he advocates going on retreat, to separate oneself from all the busy-ness in our lives. That seems to be harder now, even, than it was in the 70s, with Internet, cellphones, and so on, but it may be even more necessary. Father Basset (British Jesuit) explores the word "recollection:" not just as memory, but as "re-collecting" our scattered selves to present our whole selves to God. This is one of several words and ideas he discusses, applying them to our times and activities.

I read this book for Lent this year, and then read it again, and I think I'm on the 3rd reading now. There's a lot in here, gently presented, and good for last-thing-at-night reading. I highly recommend it.