Friend of the Soul: A Benedictine Spirituality of Work

by Norvene Vest

In this second book in her series on Benedictine spirituality, Norvene Vest brings the insights of Benedict's Rule to the world of work. A gifted interpreter of Benedict's wisdom, Vest examines with empathy and clarity the plight of men and women who wish for their work to be life-giving, a service to others, and the place where they can experience the presence of God.

Vest brings Benedict's perspective to three areas of work discontent the stress of performance, overproduction, and acquisitiveness. To these she opposes three Benedictine vocation, or being called to what we do; stewardship, or taking care of what we are given; and obedience, or serving one another. Her emphasis is on the words of Benedict's primary text and its application for people today.

Each chapter concludes with extensive spiritual exercises and food for thought.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Norvene Vest book that I've read and one which touches upon a major concern of mine over the last few years- how to connect work in all its manifestations with spirituality. That is, at best, a connundrum for most of us and Ms. Vest brings the wisdom of the Benedictine tradition to the question.

Using the Rule of Benedict as the orienation point, Ms. Vest discusses aspects of how to understand work today and to incorporate spirituality in one's work. That is a feat because we are told all to often that our work is not related to our spirituality. Yet, Vest argues that spirituality is an important aspect of work as understood by Benedict and suggests that this would be helpful to re-integrate one's work life with one's spiritual life. It is a vision that I find attractive and helpful, whether in my teaching life or simply in cleaning my deck at home. Either way, it is a gift to my students or my family or whoever. That is an important thing to me.

Vest also includes extensive reflections questions at the end of each chapter which are helpful, if occasionally overwhelming in their number. This is an important book on a neglected subject and well worth reading.

[loafingcactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is a really useful workbook. I was working through it and got a lot out of the parts that I did. I got distracted before I finished it and then moved house and lost it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful meditation on work within the Benedictine spirituality, particularly addressing dissatisfaction with one's job, lack of meaningful work, etc.

[Emily McFarlan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Friend of the Soul" is a wonderful little book, based on the Rule of St. Benedict, that invites us to view our work as part of the role we play in partnering with God to make all things new.