We are already well into the second week of Lent and it has taken me a little while to adjust to the new spiritual 'regime' which word in French, as I said in last Sunday's sermon, means 'diet'. Indeed the new spiritual diet excluding the wordly items given up has thankfully included extras in the way of studying in the Lent group Basil Hume's 'Seven Last Words' booklet but I have just finished Dom Luke Bell's ''Deep and Subtle Joy'' from Quarr Abbey, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK. This can be read on a number of different levels but exudes peace and clarity, vision and hope. An EXCELLENT read for Lent and for ongoing study and for insights into the doorway to salvation and eternal life. The publisher is Hidden Spring and the forward by Tony Hendra. Here is an extract from page 133 on the Readings.....
.''Faith comes by hearing. We could just scan our eyes over the texts silently instead of hearing them read, but it would not be the same. The readings make a more vital impact on the heart if they are heard. The human voice is a more intimate instrument than the written word''
And page122, on God as 'Home'....
''But to have God making his home with us is not just communion with all of creation, it is also communion with him. It means sharing his joy his bliss'' .
How beautiful is that for Lent! An excellent read for laypeople and clergy alike. Get the book!
Please, which church is this pictured here? It is very lovely. Is it the chapel of a religious house?
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Yes, It is lovely, it is the Abbey of Quarr, Isle of Wight, Hampshire UK which is the subject of the post. Mark
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. My diocese had a small mission on the Isle of Wight, which is no more. Thjis has resulted in some isolated people. If I ever get there as part of some mission to help them, thsi will certainly be on my list of places to visit.
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