Diffusions :: Living with Contradiction

At each successive stage in my life I have found in St. Benedict a guide and support as I turn to him with new demands and new questions in a life whose contradictions and complexities have not – as I expected when I was younger – decreased as time goes on. My wish is that these reflections will enable others to find in the Rule the same practical help and gentle guidance that I have found. For St. Benedict is always gentle, nurturing, sensitive to each one of us as the uniquely individual person that we are. There is no technology here to threaten, no system to be acquired or mastered. Instead he shows us how to live with a succession of opening doors. He shows us how to live with contradictions: he does not tell us that they will necessarily be resolved.

— from the Preface of Living with Contradiction by Esther de Waal

This book discussion will follow Esther de Waal’s Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality chapter-by-chapter. In this 12-week journey, our group will meet via 1 1/2 hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (Pacific) 9-10:30 pm (Eastern), to share thoughts and impressions of each chapter. (We will not meet on Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas.)

Discussion prompts will be provided on Tuesdays for the week’s discussion. Each meeting will involve a brief prayer/reflection, a review of ground rules, opportunities to share thoughts from the previous week, small group breakout discussion, and large group sharing.

Commitment to the weekly reading is essential as is a commitment to attending and sharing in the weekly Zoom sessions. This program is a discussion rather than a lecture. The quality comes from your willingness to participate in the conversation.

Note: Please obtain a copy of Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality by Esther de Waal, prior to the October 17th session.

Diffusions offers online programs to further opportunities for prayer, learning, community, and spiritual growth from a Benedictine perspective. We look forward to bringing Wisdom from the Center to you, wherever you are.