Thomas Dubay (1921–2010)

This is a clear, engaging, comprehensive and, dare I say, life-changing synthesis of Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, one of the heaviest-hitting duos in the Church's history when it comes to illuminating God and the powers of the soul. Fr Dubay's thesis bears out completely truthfully: the Spanish saints preach nothing more, and nothing less, than the Gospel message, a truly convicting realization that dispels the mistaken notion that the "mysticism" they espouse is only for the show more greatest souls among us. Rather, every soul is called to be close to God, and it's so much less daunting when you realize the extent to which Teresa and John *love* God; so infectiously are they enamoured by God that you can't help but want to have what they have, regardless of where you are in your own spiritual life. It's an incredibly forceful realization, distilled masterfully by Fr Dubay. The image of the "fire within", an admittedly common metaphor for the Spirit, struck me so strongly because I read The Road by Cormac McCarthy in close sequence to finishing this book, and that story's message about "carrying the fire" (chiefly meaning hope and love) in the bleakest of trials is strikingly concordant with Catholic theology, made so raw and desirable. Whether you have read the primary writings of St Teresa or St John (which I highly recommend, the two I've read being The Interior Castle and Ascent of Mount Carmel) or you haven't, Fr Dubay's work will give you the confidence to seek God more intimately in your daily life. His love and union is not reserved for monks and nuns; it is for *all*. show less

Anyone can achieve a reasonable level of sanctity, but the saints are in a league of their own. What sets them apart? Does holiness come more naturally to them than to the rest of us? Do they endure severe temptation? How do grievous sinners become saints? How has history been influenced by the saints? Are the saints relevant today? What do they mean for you? In answering these questions and many more, Father Thomas Dubay not only reveals what makes the saints tick, but also nudges readers show more toward the heights of sanctity themselves. It's an uphill battle for everyone, but the lives of the saints make it clear that great holiness is possible for all if we allow ourselves, as they do, to fall radically in love with God. show less

Simply a must-read if you are in fact serious about taking the Christian life more seriously. Provocative and challenging in the nature of the message and yet careful, balanced, precise, and forthright, the late, great Fr. Thomas Dubay takes the issue head-on: does the Gospel call Christians to a simple, frugal life or not?

Few books have so challenged and convicted me in my complacency and none have left me more concretely motivated to become a more perfect imitation of Christ.

(Note - endure show more with patience the first few chapters. Dubay takes his time setting up this delicate issue. Persevere and you will be rewarded.) show less

A good book for Protestants to read in my opinion. Described simply, in this book Father Dubay goes through scripture (esp N.T.) considering texts on discernment... and SURPRISE!... practically all of the texts emphasize the role of the authority of the Church in that task.