Finding Our Way Again by Brian McLaren

This book is not what I would define as an "easy read". It required constant attention and persistent re-reading to keep everything in focus. Nonetheless, it gave insight, experience, and background. I was especially interested in Part 3: Ancient. In the author's three point sections of Katharsis, Fotosis and Theosis, I found much on which to reflect.

Katharsis (Via Purgativa), as the author explains "is the gate through which we enter the ancient way and its practices." The use of the symbol of the abbess adds a provocative dimension to the section. In this katharsis, the author urges all to purge the present of all the things that have accumulated in one's present spiritual experience and study the ancient way and its practices. This includes the way one lives, worships, works, pleasures ones self, all elements of one's life. I especially pondered the words: "Purgation has everything to do with practice, not penance." These simple words gave me a new view of this basic, major step for the person who is ready and able to confront himself and go from there.

It was easy to guess what the next step was to be about by simply looking at the name of the process: Fotosis (Via Illuminativa)--Once a purging has been done, light must make sight possible. Or, to use a more modern vernacular, after the blinders are off, one must deal with the blinding light. The author makes a wonderful point that "Light makes sight possible, and the spiritual life is, in many ways, about seeing." The Scripture of Matthew 6:22-23 came alive to me after that reading.

One of the most thought-provoking sentences in the book to me was "One learns about light not just by being in its presence, but also by experiencing its absence." The comments in this section of the author must be contemplated again and again by the reader. As I went back through the book, I read again lines and phases that I underlined and I remembered, again, their impact. I think you will find the same.

The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

This is an excellent thought-provoking book. From the first words of the chapter, I realized that I would be on a trip of thoughtfulness and I was proved right. The idea of pilgrimage lures and repels different readers but the author manages to give ideas to anyone who is truly seeking to explore the subject.

As I finished the book, I thought of the most unforgettable passages for me personally and these are the three areas that I intend to pursue further: "thin places", synchronicity, and the words "Every pilgrim's step is a step toward his childhood." Each area of searching should lead me on new pilgrimages of faith-building. As someone who has traveled extensively, I found his words so true about Jerusalem and Rome and the Holy Land. And yet, the book is also geared to the person who will not or cannot leave the confines of home and the author spends many chapters addressing the person who searches in a solitary manner.

There are several constant strains which run through the book. One is that Jesus was constantly on the move and commanded his followers to follow him. The reader is asked to move also and not be content with the status-quo of the religious experience. A verse quoted often in the text is "Seek and Ye Shall Find." Where should you go? the author asks and then goes on to answer, "Follow your heart."

The person who skips "The Sacred Journey" and reads all the other Ancient Practices Series will miss a real confrontation with his inner self. It is an excellent book on a subject that has not been exhausted by other writers. I continue to reflect upon its messages and shall re-read it often.

In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson

This is an excellent book --you read a couple of pages and then you stop and think about what you have finished reading. It is thought-provoking from beginning to end. The author relates his pilgrimage while, at the same time, encouraging his reader to live out his/her own pilgrimage. One identifies with the author's faults and frailities by thinking of one's own. The author makes no attempt to set himself up as an authority on all things sacred but talks about his own questions, conditions and ponderings. I must confess that I had no concept of the "Daily Office" before reading this book so much of it was transformative in my ideas about prayer.

During my reading and later scanning, I was amazed at the few pages without my personal markings on them. I made note after note of provocative ideas which demanded my further thinking. One of the sections I marked read: "There is a temptation for all of us to feel as though worship is not really worth much unless we are personally moved by it. If we are not somehow emotionally touched, then our worship does not seem spiritual to us. It helps to remember that liturgy is the work of the people, not the magic wand of God."

This book is more than worth the reading. It makes you think from beginning to end. Keep your pencil handy to make your own notes. Excellent work. So was the Foreward. If this book is any indication of the calibre of work and authorship involved, I want to read the rest of The Ancient Practices series.