Life and Holiness

This is a deceptively simple book about living the Christian life and striving for holiness. It is geared toward the lay person, stressing that holiness is not only to be found in the monestary or convent. Holiness can be found wherever Christians try to live lives of love and compassion, where they try to hear and do God's will. This book works very well as a daily devotional, since most chapters are only 3-5 pages but provide much to think and pray about. ( )

In concrete, down-to-earth terms, Merton explores how to incorporate a robust Roman Catholic spirituality in an active, contemporary life. Although he was writing as a monk, Merton's call to personal holiness in the active, non-monastic life is incisive, convincing and completely on point. Merton explains in clear terms how one can, and indeed must, maintain deep, active concern for the events that surround us, and be an active participant in these events, in order to cultivate and fully develop our individual capacity for personal holiness. A tremendous work, highly recommendable for anyone seeking guidance regarding how a passionate spirituality can be integrated into an active and busy life. ( )