Book: The Path of Life by Cyprian Smith OSB

When selecting the next piece of spiritual commentary to read I had no regrets in selecting The Path of Life : Benedictine Spirituality for Monks and Lay People, by Cyprian Smith OSB, a monk of Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire who died in April 2019. A delightful book where the author who was a priest of the monastery has an amazing ability to reach out to the reader and share his deep love and passion for the Rule of St Benedict in a creative and meaningful way.

Despite being first published fifteen years ago the Path of Life is just as relevant in todays society as it was when it was first published. In fact in the Covid-19 dominated world we are now living in the book could be considered to be even more relevant given the pressures, stresses and strains of modern society.

The book is a very gentle read with short but informative chapters focusing on several key topics related to St Benedict's rule. The concepts include humility, obedience, silence, Lectio Divina and the Eucharist to name a few and they are all discussed in a manner that is relevant to anyone not just those that are monks.

The Path of Life provides the reader with much food for thought. As a Benedictine Oblate, the concepts discussed in the book are not new to me but the angle they are presented from and the insightful commentaries from the author, allowed me to reflect and consider from different perspectives their importance in my life, and how I can deepen my understanding of them.

The beauty of Cyprian Smiths style is that he articulates his points well and he links his thoughts to aspects of everyday life. While many might see the Rule of St Benedict as something that can't have any relevance or meaning to their lives, this book really has the ability to change that way of thinking.

The book is a fantastic practical commentary on a rule that has just as much to teach today as it did when it was first written. Written in a manner that makes it accessible to a wide readership I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants to deepen their faith, learn more about the Rule of St Benedict and examine how key concepts related to the rule can be pondered and reflected on and indeed aid the reader on their own path of life.

The Path of Life: Benedictine Spirituality for Monks and Lay People is published by the Book Depository. For more information and to order copies see: www.bookdepository.com/Path-Life-Cyprian-Smith/9780852443026