Words for silence

Before author Fruehwirth became Guardian (head) of the Order of Julian of Norwich, an order of Anglican contemplatives, he was the groundskeeper. Rather like Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, whom he cites approvingly, Fruehwirth brings a humble sense of the ordinariness of life to this series of "chapter talks"-addresses to his community providing spiritual formation. Organized around the liturgical year, these short reflections examine and promote contemplation. Fruehwirth is thoughtful, practical and poetic. Living in intimacy with God, the goal of the contemplative, requires building good inner habits of awareness and surrender to God's service. Small things can help: "no leaning, no slouching" is a posture of awareness, like the erect posture of one seated in meditation. Fruehwirth is also insightful: Lenten reflections on the deadly sins unite psychology and theology in thought-provoking ways. His work also calls attention to the relatively underappreciated legacy of his order's founder, the 14th-century English mystic Julian. This little, lovely book should be read slowly and savored as a guide to the inner landscape of contemplation.