Harden Not Your Hearts: A Collection of Prayers as Poems

This is a collection of spiritual poems, written over the past two years by Thomas J. Rillo. As a retired university professor, he continues to find time to serve and to praise God as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Tom's poetry has appeared in The Criterion (the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis), in some of his own church's weekly bulletins (St. Charles Borromeo, Bloomington), and in a variety of other publications. Tom's poetry is an ongoing portrait, illustrating his continuing journey into a deeper faith life that was originally fueled by Cursillo participation, by becoming a Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and by developing a fuller faith life. These poems, like his previous published poems, were inspired by the Holy Spirit guiding him to situations, places, and people where a gentle soul-felt "nudge" began a poem's creation. These poems are simple and at the same time represent various styles of poetic format. This is definitely a good book for delving into the spiritual situations and lives represented in the six divisions of the book. It is a sampler that reminds readers of their own joys, fears, doubts, and relationships. It demonstrates that one's prayers and spirituality may take many forms and may be manifested in a diverse collection of situations and individuals. The poems can be read and studied as devotional reading, and will perhaps inspire and encourage others to do so as well.

All revenues derived from the sale of this book will be donated to the Benedictine Oblate Community of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

Also from this author:

Deepening Faith Through Poetry (2008)

Thoughts for the Listening Heart (2011)

Growing Closer to God Through Poetry (2012)

Harden Not Your Hearts (2013)

Surrender in Trust (2015)

Brother Martin is a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He is recognized throughout the monastic world as a talented liturgical artist. He works in a variety of mediums such as: ceramics, pottery, furniture, figurative art, and his special work with stained glass windows. His art reflects the beauty of the symbol, the richness of color, and his knowledge of theology. His liturgical art speaks to the soul.