A Life-Giving Way: A Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict

by Esther de Waal

Esther de Waal comes to the Rule of St. Benedict as a lay woman who has studied the Rule and striven to live it. Benedict has been for her both supportive and challenging, both guide and prophet. His Rule asks not for blind obedience and conformity but for personal responsibility. While the Rule offers much to those seeking a pattern to the structure of their day-to-day, exterior" life, which de Waal's previous commentaries have addressed, this commentary focuses on what Benedict tells us about the interior life. It takes the shape of prayerful reflections on his words of wisdom regarding the disposition of the heart. It leads the reader, as the Rule was meant to lead the novice, to answer the very personal question we must all, as Christians, "Am I truly seeking God?" Includes a copy of the Rule. Esther de Waal is a well-known author whose interests lie particularly in monastic and Celtic spirituality. Her first book, Seeking The Way of St. Benedict (The Liturgical Press), continues to be a bestseller and has-been translated world wide. It was followed by Living with Further Reflections on the Rule and, most recently, A World Made Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition and A Seven Day Journey with Thomas Merton . She is married with four grown-up sons and lives in the Welsh Borders. "

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tom Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a modern commentary on the Rule of Benedict - chapter by chapter. Emphasis is on MOTIVE for action: "Benedict's way is directed to the Heart." This stresses humility and living in love and the love of Christ as well as constant "openness". There is another emphasis on the growth of community and the respect for individuals as children of God.

[Andrew Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chapter-by-chapter commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict with the same depth of insight as in her earlier books. An excellent aid for non-monastics seeking practical advice for applying the Rule to their lives.

[Nathan Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reflection on the Rule of Saint Benedict by a layperson. A bit dense at times, but not overly difficult to read and digest.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A shade too dense and dry. I've read other author's interpretations of The Rule of Benedict and gotten more from them.

[Susan A Davy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary and daily guide.

[Terry Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

de Waal does an amazing job of pulling all the wisdom out of a text that is almost 1,500 years old and showing its continuing relevance to our lives and struggles today

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a looong time to read because it is rather dry a lot of the time. However, it is a very measured, applicable commentary on the Rule and I will return to it. I found it difficult to unpack the Rule when I read it straight through without commentary, and I appreciated that this does not give a specific slant for a particular state of life but rather demonstrates how the Rule is truly a guide for everyone to live the Gospel.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5, an excellent, thoughtful, meditative introduction to the Rule of St Bendict. At times I found it a bit repetitive, but I think that was an issue with the method of taking the Rule chapter by chapter. And of course, this had the positive result of being able to read it slowly, a chapter or 2 a day, without losing the thread.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, prayerful reflection on the holy rule that makes it accessible to lay people. Quick and easy to read crammed with wonderful information. I am grateful for de Waal's commentary on the rule, and am excited to see what other works she has finished.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was assigned this book to read with my mentee at St. Placid Priory. I’ve been a Benedictine oblate at St. Placid for many years, so I’m glad to have finally read this informative book.