Bishop’s Book Club

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Bishop Mariann’s Blog

Bishop’s Book Club

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living, by John McQuiston II
(Morehouse, 2011. Fifteenth anniversary edition; revised)

Periodically, I’ll suggest a book or other resource for our common reading as a diocese. I invite you to share your comments on this blog, as well as your ideas for future books, podcasts or films, and ways we might reflect on the insights we gain from them together.   

Several years ago around this time, I stumbled into a Christian bookstore looking for Advent inspiration. On the Advent reading table was a small book that I purchased for the title alone: Always We Begin Again.
 
As my life begins yet again, with the awesome privilege and many responsibilities of being your bishop, I find myself drawn once again to this small, helpful book in which John McQuiston II, an attorney from Memphis, Tenn., describes his longing after the death of his father to find an authentic spiritual path. The Episcopal priest who presided at his father’s funeral suggested that he explore the insights of St. Benedict, a 6th-century monk, and commit to reading something spiritually uplifting every morning. He did, and that practice changed his life in profoundly positive ways.
 
In time, McQuiston sought to “translate” the ancient yet priceless insights of St. Benedict into his own words, for his own time. Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living is the result, a small primer in the balanced, practical, and inspirational vision that is at the heart of Anglican spirituality.
 
If you are looking for spiritual grounding this Advent, join me in reading Always We Begin Again, as we all begin, once more, on this Christian path.
 
And as a blessing for your Thanksgiving holiday, I give you the first rule:
 
The first rule is simply this: live this life and do whatever is done in a spirit of Thanksgiving. Abandon attempts to achieve security; they are futile. Give up the search for wealth, it is demeaning. Quit the search for salvation, it is selfish. And come to the comfortable rest in the certainty that those who participate in this life with an attitude of Thanksgiving will receive its full promise.
 
 
10 Comments

The Rev J. Carlyle Gill

Many years ago Paul Cooney gave this book to his friends. I have loved it for a long time. Isn't it wonderful that we can always begin again? Or as the Buddhists ask, How is it now?"

Terrie Reed

This book was part of a Lenten book review at St. James Episcopal Church Potomac, MD around 2000 or 2001. I was going through a lot of personal struggle at the time and this simple book was something I could use as part of daily meditation. The same copy is still at my bedside. I don't read from it every day but return to it to remind myself of basic truths such as having a spirit of Thanksgiving. Thanks for posting this - what an extraordinary thing to wake up to on Thanksgiving Day. If anyone at St. James sees this and was part of that Lenten work, thank you for introducing me to this book.

Art Lord

Thank you Bishop Mariann i will read this book - you are right on the way.

Cay Hartley

I was particularly struck with the section on Silence as it reminds me to listen so much more than talking...also a good fit for a therapist!

Lori A. Perine

The Listening Heart Community at Ascension is using this book for our 2011 fall/winter study. We are a recently formed community at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Gaithersburg, modeled on the Monasteries of the Heart movement founded by Sr. Joan Chittister. We'll be culminating our study during Advent, and welcome the idea that others throughout the diocese also may be finding it a guide and inspiration during this time.

Jan Dougherty

I have read this book again and again. it will be a wonderful Advent journey to share with you and others. Thanks!

Flannista

I have a love/hate relationship with the Episcopal Church. I love the liturgy, but have profound concerns about the need for a governing hierarchy. I don't think there will be a hierarchy in heaven, so why on earth? Because we're fallen and need structure? We can do better than that. So it was with some skepticism that I decided to read about your book club. My copy of Always We Begin Again just arrived in the mail, so perhaps I will begin again. You're a new bishop. You are beginning again, too, perhaps? What don't I understand about the Episcopal Church? Why is the clergy given so much power? What about the priesthood of believers? Why can't laypeople read the gospel during a service? Why couldn't I, as a layperson, lay my hands on a friend who was being consecrated as a priest even though I helped to subsidize her seminary education? What's with all the hoopla? Would St. Benedict consider this pomp and circumstance a particular way of "being in the world"? What would Jesus do?

Martin Dickinson

Just got it for my Kindle and will read right away. Thanks for the invitation! Marty

Beth Royalty

Many years ago this book was given to me by dear friends in Memphis who know John McQuiston. (I have an autographed copy!) I have given away more copies of this book than I can remember. Thanks for reminding me that it's time to read it again.

Richard Jordan

Rev. Stephen Gerth at St. Mary the Virgin last night at their P/Matronal feast day service mentioned three theologians I had read in high school and college: Bernard Lonergan (Jesuit), Eduard Schillebeeckx, and Yves Conger. Perhaps it would be of interest to consider to gather book titles for "all seasons" after Advent and give a brief 150-word synopsis of each? Best, Richard Jordan



 

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