The Joy of Full Surrender

“The will of God has nothing but sweetness, grace, and treasures for the surrendered soul”

God speaks to us through every moment of every day.

By facing ourselves honestly through active authentic contemplation, this timeless classic shows us the way towards comfort and fulfillment, and a life suffused with grace as we carry out God's purpose.

These spiritual reflections on the mystery of faith provide wisdom, hope, and inspiration -- guidance for daily living and relationship with God, and an invitation to open our hearts, and learn to slow down and live life in the “sacrament of the present moment.”

“I count myself blessed that, at an important juncture in my life, a wise elder introduced me to the writings of Caussade. From them I gained not only the guidance I needed to traverse a difficult terrain, but also a permanent element in my outlook on life: an appreciation of the operation of God’s providence and my need to be receptive of that providence despite the lack of full understanding and the pressure of contrary desires.” —Michael Casey, O.C.S.O. from the Introduction

Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751) was born in Toulouse, France, and was ordained a member of the Society of Jesus in 1708. In 1731, he was appointed spiritual director of the Jesuit retreat house in Nancy for the Nuns of the Visitation whom he served for seven years. It is the notes of his addresses to the nuns that form this book. Although Father Caussade was little known during his lifetime, his writings have helped Christians of all backgrounds, and inspired understanding between Eastern and Western religions, in the nearly 300 years since his death in 1751.
 

Brother Benet Tvedten entered Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin, South Dakota in 1958. He has been his community's Director of Oblates for nearly thirty years, and held the position of Coordinator of the North American Association of Oblate Directors between 1995 and 1999. He is the author of A View from a Monastery and How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job.