Pathway to Our Hearts: A Simple Approach to Lectio Divina With the Sermon on the Mount - Softcover

Collins, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594712654 ISBN 13: 9781594712654

Publisher: Ave Maria Pr, 2011

Synopsis

Archbishop of Toronto and respected Bible teacher Thomas Collins presents an accessible approach to praying the Sermon on the Mount in the tradition of lectio divina, or sacred reading, creating a fresh and accessible perspective on an ancient practice.

Drawn from Archbishop Thomas Collin's popular monthly lectio divina series at St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto, Pathway to Our Hearts invites readers to listen to the word of God and examine what it tells them about loving God with their mind, heart, and hands. With the Sermon on the Mount as his focus, Collins welcomes readers into a nourishing encounter with the word of God, adapting the ancient practice of lectio divina for today's Catholics.

At this time of revival of the tradition of lectio divina, including a strong endorsement by the 2008 Synod on the Word, Collins models a simple approach that anyone can take to reading scripture. Collins's friendly, conversational manner encourages the reader to learn to listen to the text, allowing God's voice to speak to the heart. From his long experience of teaching the Bible, Collins offers readers expert advice on praying with the scriptures, but most importantly he models it, and those who thirst to draw close to God's word will find refreshment in these pages.

About this title

About the Author

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Archbishop Thomas Collins was ordained a priest in 1973. Collins considered other paths, but was inspired by a high school English teacher who suggested he should consider the priesthood. He obtained undergraduate and master's degrees in English, but later pursued theological training in Rome--where he specialized in the book of Revelation--while earning his licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Bible Institute. Collins earned a doctorate in theology from Gregorian University and was named bishop of St. Paul, Alberta, in 1997 and archbishop of Edmonton in 1999. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Collins the tenth archbishop of Toronto in December 2006.

Review

"Archbishop Collins combines two rare gifts: a vivid, engaging style and a deep understanding of Scripture. This book is a marvelous introduction to the ancient Christian tradition of lectio divina (sacred reading), and a real treasure for meditation on the Word of God. For any Christian longing for a deeper experience of prayer, the author opens the door to a richer daily life rooted in the Sermon on the Mount." --Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver

"The lectio divina reflections of Archbishop Thomas Collins are the fruit of a shepherd who lives in the House of the Word. I highly recommend these clear, accessible, and hopeful reflections that offer tremendous assistance to all who wish to give flesh to the Word in their daily lives." --Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation

"The recent Synod on the Word of God emphasized the importance of lectio divina, in deepening our spiritual lives. Archbishop Collins's book, Pathway to Our Hearts, is exactly what is needed to make this important approach to praying the scriptures something accessible to all. Archbishop Collins's knowledge and love of the scriptures comes alive in this book." --Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson

"Archbishop Collins has offered a gift to us. This book on lectio divina provides not only a method, but an example. If Jesus would come to our diocese and teach us today he probably would use the text of the Beatitudes, as it is a rich, divine study into the new covenant. Not only is Archbishop Collins qualified as a scholar from his many years at Biblicum and the Gregorian University, but he also speaks with authority as someone who has encountered God through his daily practice." -- --Sr. Meg Funk, O.S.B., Author of Lectio Matters: Before the Burning Bush

Edition details

• Publisher: Ave Maria Pr
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1594712654
• ISBN 13: 9781594712654
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 139