El. knyga: Meditations with a Monastic Commentary

"Thomas Davis makes an invaluable contribution in his fresh translation of the Meditations and his insightful commentary on Williams account of the contemplative ascent into God, situating the abbot of Saint-Thierrys spiritual itinerary in his broader theological vision. That ascent is motivated by ardent love and longing to see Gods face, yet paradoxically necessitates a descent into the truth of a persons deepest self where one comes face to face with ones utter brokenness and the need to die to self. There one also discovers the truth of ones unimaginable beloved-ness in the eternal Word. Ascending then through the Incarnation, ones will is united with Gods lovethe Holy Spiritin the unitas spiritus where ones life is transformed and ones spirit is enfolded the ineffable embrace of the Divine Persons of the Trinity." Glenn E. Myers, PhD, Professor of Church History and Theological Studies, Crown College   "Father Thomas Davis takes his readers on an extraordinary journey through the depths and heights of William of SaintThierrys spirituality. The revised translation and commentary illuminate the complexity of early Cistercian thought through the lens of Williams poetic imagery. Offering a guided tour through the metaphorical landscape of Williams meditations, Father Davis provides intellectually rich insight, as well as a personal appreciation of Cistercian spiritual practice. This book is a source both for future Cistercian scholarship and for anyone who is drawn to the experiential, authentic nature of monastic prayer. Dr. des. theol. Delphine Conzelmann, University of Basel, Switzerland   You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. So wrote St. Augustine at the beginning of his Confessions, one of the most remarkable prayer-texts in the Christian tradition. Some 700 years later, a closely related insight drove William of St. Thierry to pen the meditative prayers of this book. Blessed with an intimate knowledge of the Bible and the medieval interpretive tradition, a poetic sense of imagery, a refined Christian metaphysics, and an ardent personal faith, William delivered a remarkable text to guide thoughts to God. This new volume gives us a precious new portal into one of Christian historys outstanding minds." Fr. Joseph Van House, O Cist, Our Lady of Dallas Abbey, University of Dallas   "This volume is highly recommended for all who want to deepen their appreciation of medieval monastic spirituality." Catholic Books Review "This translation and commentary offer readers a thoroughly Cistercian and deeply prayerful experience of seeking and understanding God." Theological Studies