In a consumer-driven world where we’re told we need and deserve more, Susan Muto, executive director of the Epiphany Association, reminds us that gratefulness is a gift from God. In Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life, she reveals that grateful living is not another new fad but has been the way of saints and Christian mystics for centuries. Many popular secular books today explore how embracing gratitude can lead to a happier, healthier life. In contrast, Muto, a renowned author, speaker, and teacher, approaches gratitude from a uniquely Catholic perspective. In this insightful, inspiring book, she explores how life-changing a spirit of gratefulness can be by using both personal and well-known examples of the struggles and rewards of grateful living. Muto and companions such as Julian of Norwich, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Henri J. M. Nouwen, and Dorothy Day highlight the power of gratitude as a grace from God and walk with us as we learn to practice thankfulness. We start the journey toward gratefulness by embracing gratitude in all circumstances and end it by thankfully accepting the missions God entrusts to each of us. Along the way, we begin to accept God’s grace by understanding the benefits of positivity and dangers of negativity, the redemptive power of prayer, and the lasting fruits of thankfulness. A spirituality of gratitude reminds us that, even without the possessions, luxuries, or leisure time society claims are the most important things in life, God still loves, cares, and knows what’s best for us. Muto also provides practical tools that help us embrace this grace in our lives.
Understanding Our Story presents a concise introduction to the original, transformative thinking of Adrian van Kaam, CSSp, PhD (1920-2007). While many books are available on "spiritual formation" and "Christian disciplines," no other author of our time has offered such a holistic and comprehensive explanation of Christian formation and its relationship to the human spirituality of all persons. Understanding our Story culls the most seminal ideas and vocabulary from van Kaam's eleven volumes on formation science, formation anthropology, and formation theology, and provides examples of his theoretical-practical research drawn from everyday life, Scripture, Christian writers, and van Kaam's life story itself. In doing so, it makes his extensive work available to scholars in the field of spiritual formation, and gives all readers the opportunity to utilize his insightful thinking to more fully understand the myriad ways in which God reforms and transforms lives into the image of Christ. In the pluritraditional world in which we live, where so many faith and formation traditions demand our attention, van Kaam's formative spirituality provides a means of respectful dialogue with formationally relevant truths from others and of wise appraisal of ideas that are (and are not) conducive to, and compatible with, the Christian revelation.
Thomas Merton once described the Precautions and Counsels of St. John of the Cross as "the most detailed and concrete and practical set of rules for arriving at religious perfection I have ever seen." Yet many today need assistance in discovering the treasures these brief works contain. In this book, Susan Muto continues her efforts to open up the riches of John of the Cross for modern audiences. She shows how these challenging texts, first written for sixteenth century friars and nuns, are firmly rooted in the values of the Gospel, and offer essential practical and spiritual wisdom for contemporary men and women of every age and way of life. Also included are a translation of the Precautions and Counsels by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D., as well as a preface by the translator.
The author challenges the reader to examine their behavior and allow a Christian legacy of virtue to enrich the world by following in the footsteps of ancient, medieval, and modern masters of the spiritual life.
Then God Said teaches us to open our eyes and behold the gifts of creation that unfold before us in all their splendor. We abide in awe before the generative forces of the universe. We delight in the splendor of created things and thank God for this outpouring of gifts from the beginning of time. Each chapter of Then God Said invites us to contemplate the first revelation in creation--from water and sky to cattle and creeping things. We ponder, page by page, the power of the Father, the presence of the Son, and the productivity of the Holy Spirit. We behold anew the majesty of this planet and the merciful dispensation of the Divine under which we live day by day. We celebrate the beauty of the earth and the sheer majesty of each minute trace of the transcendent. Readers are encouraged to find the footprints of love that move the sun, the moon, and all the stars. Creation not only reminds us of God's glory; it offers us a sacramental understanding of all that we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, thereby increasing our ecological sensitivity and our commitment to foster respectful stewardship over all that we survey.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” has been embraced by people of all walks of life. In Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart, author Susan Muto explores twelve facets of St. Thérèse’s simple spiritual path as a way to personal holiness and the secret to being a powerful witness to Christ in the world today. Though she lived only to the age of twenty-four and spent almost her entire life at her family home and in the Carmelite convent, St. Thérèse of Lisieux displayed a love for Jesus and a passion for his gospel that have made her the patroness of the missions. The “Little Flower’s” humility and childlike trust are still powerful examples of how ordinary people can grow closer to Jesus and respond to Pope Francis’s call for a new evangelization. The calls to holiness and to witness to Christ can seem daunting, but as Susan Muto—renowned speaker and expert on Carmelite spirituality—explains, Thérèse shows us that they are neither difficult nor dramatic. The Little Way can be lived by any of us, even with what Thérèse called the “ministry of the smile.” With deep insight and warm personal devotion, Muto explains the Little Way and will help you put twelve dimensions of it into practice, drawing others to Christ by living a simple, joyful life. These twelve ways, derived from the example of Thérèse, are: Learn to love the hidden life Appreciate what a treasure the ordinary is Trust in Divine Mercy as little children do Receive the sacraments devoutly day after day Abandon yourself to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Foster friendship with God and others Take up your cross and follow Jesus Pray unceasingly Simplify your life Let God free you to be your best self Commit yourself—body, mind, and spirit—to living the Gospel Leave a legacy of evangelical virtues others want to cultivate Muto features short quotations from the saint’s autobiography, poetry, letters, and prayers, as well as perceptive reflection questions and personal prayers to show how imitating Thérèse can make us a powerful force of love. Muto also offers practical spiritual advice for those who want to deepen their faith and are attracted to the simplicity of St. Thérèse’s Little Way.
Winner of a first-place award in spirituality from the Catholic Media Association. Renowned scholar Susan Muto presents her spiritual legacy with a rich introduction to thirty Christian masters. These voices from the ancient, medieval, and modern Church have been the focus of Muto’s work for more than forty years and the trusted guides of her own spiritual life. Masters such as Benedict of Nursia, Clare of Assisi, Thomas Merton, and Teresa of Avila will help answer your most pressing spiritual questions and satisfy the deepest cravings of your heart. From the simplicity and solitude of the desert mystics and other ancient masters to the practicality and prayerfulness of medieval saints such as Julian of Norwich and Catherine of Siena to the relatable sensibilities of modern masters such as Evelyn Underhill and Thomas Merton, Susan Muto—executive director of the Epiphany Association and dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality—draws deeply from the well of the Christian spiritual tradition to address some of our most pressing spiritual hungers: The Desert Fathers teach us how to hear God above the noise of everyday life. Augustine of Hippo acknowledges the restlessness that precedes spiritual growth. Julian of Norwich reflects on the universality and purpose of suffering. Jean-Pierre de Caussade explores what it means to have a heart fully surrendered to God. Thérѐse of Lisieux shares her little way of spiritual childhood. In each chapter, Muto introduces a spiritual master who she finds helpful in meeting a particular condition or challenge commonly faced in the Christian life and places that master within the historical and spiritual contexts of their time. Muto then introduces a classic work associated with that master, identifying key themes or principles to apply to your own life. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions to ponder individually or discuss in a group setting. Rich yet accessible, this book will fortify your soul with time-tested spiritual insight and practical wisdom so you can enter more deeply into the mystery of spiritual union with God.
Founded on the premise that each of us is to be a sign of the living God, this primer on spiritual formation is written for Christians in today's busy world. Focusing on the universal call to holiness, Dr. Mutt takes us through each step along the path of spiritual living -- silence, solitude, prayer, reading, meditation, journal-keeping, contemplation and mutual service. An ideal book for retreatants, spiritual directors and counselors.
Susan Muto brings her considerable knowledge and skill to bear on this 16th century masterpiece. Her readable interpretation and commentary opens up John's spiritual wisdom in a relevant and timely manner for today's readers. Her presentation provides two outstanding features: she adopts the formative -- contrasted with informative -- approach to spiritual reading. And she offers an excellent rationale for bringing John's message to those seeking an authentic spiritual life.
This third volume of Carmelite Studies presents a set of ten essays that honor St. Teresa of Avila as "A Woman for Her Times, Her Culture, Her Church and of the Living Spirit." The texts were originally presented to an audience of almost six-hundred people who gathered at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. to celebate the Fourth Centenary of St. Teresa's death. The collective message of the speakers from nine institutions of higher learning-among them Susan Muto of the Institute of Formative Spirituality, Ciriaco Moron-Aroyo of Cornell University, Enest Larkin, O. Carm. and Monika Hellwig of Georgetown University-describes many of Teresa's contributions to students of history, culture, church life, spirituality, and questions concerning the role of women. The authors also show how Teresa can influence one's own personal life, that is, they present insights into the influence of La Madre on spiritual growth as well as the mark she left on the field of their expertise. They thus provide a blending of scholarship and edification that Teresa herself would have applauded. SEEKING GOD Soul, you must seek yourself in Me, And in yourself see Me. With such skill, soul, Love could portray you in Me, That a painter well gifted, Could never show, So finely that image. For love you were fashioned . . . St. Teresa of Avila
Simple prayers, thought-provoking meditations and beautiful photographs are combined in this gem of a book which leads you through every season of the year, and all the seasons of life. Blank pages have been scattered throughout to allow you to include your own favorite reflections or photos, making this a very personal book which will be treasured by all. A great gift idea for any occasion. Makes a wonderful bereavement memento.
This book represents a new depth in the work of two of the best spiritual writers of our time. An out-standing book both for self knowledge and contemplative meditation. It will reward the reader with insights on every page...Fr Ben. J. Groeschel
Susan Muto challenges us to turn away from the cultural impulse toward me-centeredness. She maps out the factors that work against our being one in the Lord and she offers ways to begin each day looking to 'love first' and to seek God's will in each daily action"--
The Ascent of Mount Carmel is the epicenter of the works of John of the Cross, the primer for all of his spiritual writings. But it can also present profound challenges for today's readers. John of the Cross for Today: "The Ascent" is a most reliable and worthy companion on the walk through the great mystic's teachings. The expert guidance of Susan Muto illuminates the nights of senses and spirit, the journey in faith, the call to contemplation, the cleansing of the intellect, the night of faith, and union with God in hope -- vital steps in the spiritual life of asceticism and prayer.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14) If life is a portal to paradise, then how we get there should be everyone’s concern. Our Christian call is to know, love, and serve God in this world that we may be happy with him in heaven. In our day-to-day lives, this means finding and keeping to the narrow way that Jesus describes as the path to heaven. Fortunately, we have a vast collection of Christian classics to help us on our way, and one of the greatest is Saint Benedict’s Rule. In Enter the Narrow Gate: Saint Benedict’s Steps to Christian Maturity, Susan Muto draws from Saint Benedict’s twelve steps to humility, showing how these steps give us a road map to the narrow way. Rooted in timeless spiritual principles, this book offers guidance and encouragement to find and stay on the narrow path, no matter how attractive the easy road may seem. The choices we make each day have eternal ramifications, and there can be no compromise between the narrow way and the easy road. Ultimately, each of us must face — and answer — this all-important question: Are we willing to enter through the narrow gate and follow the narrow way all the way to heaven? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Susan Muto, Ph.D., is executive director of the Epiphany Association and dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. She holds a doctorate in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Muto has been teaching the literature of ancient, medieval, and modern spirituality for over forty years. She has written more than thirty books, and in 2014 she received the Aggiornamento Award presented by the Catholic Library Association in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the ministry of renewal modeled by Pope St. John XXIII.
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