Abstract
The enigmatic nature of this attractive volume lies within the following question: to whom is the book written? At the outset, it appears to be addressed to the Cistercian monastic congregations, of which Varden is a member, but with its subtitle On Christian conversion it has an appeal to a far wider audience – and, indeed, even beyond the bounds of the Church. The enigma is deepened to some degree, however, by the structure of the book, which falls into two main parts. It begins with a broad discussion, some of which is focused on specifically monastic themes, including vows, patrimony and what Varden describes as ‘The Heart’s Experience’.
Curiously, for a book that centres for much of the time on the Rule of St Benedict, Varden does not advert to the very first word of the Rule: listen. This seems odd inasmuch as he explores the importance of obedience with significant rigour, pointing to the freedom given by God, and the manner in which obedience can feed into this and expand that freedom. He contrasts it with contemporary secular views of freedom that run entirely counter to the concept of obedience which he outlines. In exploring ‘stability’ he focuses on the concept of ‘hesychia’, which he distinguishes from the Orthodox tradition of repetitive prayer, hesychasm. Hesychia is important as a concept describing inner peace. The third vow, conversatio morum, moves the reader more directly towards discussion of conversion, which is seen as a lifetime’s habit rather than a single dramatic experience.
In the second chapter, on patrimony, one moves into reflection on the Cistercian tradition of withdrawal and silence, seen classically within Trappist houses. Purification of the heart requires a pursuit of the virtues that then focus on the presence and authority of Christ. In the final chapter of this first section, a variety of themes are explored. There is an excellent section on the destructive impact of ‘murmuring’, which begins with the murmuring of Ancient Israel against Moses in their desert wanderings. This same theme is then applied to the monastery. Varden faces issues of abuse in the context of celibacy head on. This first section ends with a rich reflection on von Hugel’s contrast of happiness and joy. Von Hugel notes: ‘Religion has never made me happy.’ Throughout this part of the book, various interesting figures are quoted or described, some known to Varden in the present, and other key shapers of the tradition. His own vignette on a converting moment, right at the beginning of the book, is itself arresting.
The second section of the book is a series of meditations set within the sanctorale and the temporale. The readings for the ‘Mass of the Day’ head each section, and a reflective meditation follows. It is impossible to summarize these, but suffice to say that various vignettes offer rich images and nourishment for the life of prayer. As long as one is clear about the nature of this volume, it will not disappoint. There are profound theological insights, and rich food, caught up within a most unusual menu.