Approaching Spiritual Classics

After discussing the reflections of Wendy M. Wright on the reading of «Spiritual Classics», students in ISS/DSPT course SP2505 (GTU Fall 2006) offered the following pointers for approaching the reading of the Introduction to the Devout Life:


Anne Collins, FMA: My new approach is to read these gems of living wisdom, which have come from a lived experience, reflectively, with an open mind and heart, the mind being thoughtfully critical, leaving aside some of the language and ideas not relevent to this century but allowing the content to be savoured, mulled over and prayerfully pondered, so as to reach the spiritual nourishment contained there for my own God-ward. journey.

Rey de la Cruz: What would be my approach? To read, to reflect, and to reappropriate.

Seung-Ku Jung: Reading the spiritual classics is a journey because we must leave our home (our naivete) and set out on a spiritual path; and then we must come back home (with a new sense that is critical consciouness).

Jongsoo Kim: I often would try to approch the spiritual classics in a theologial way, but I am very new to theology. I understand that spirituality is an area for all Christians interested in spiritual life. I think it is important to begin with the pure heart when approaching spiritual texts.

Tien Nam: What new approach for me in reading Introduction to the Devout Life? In reading this book, I realize that what St. Francis wrote in the text requires some reflections and at time praying with the text; therefore, it is fitting that I would bring what I read into my daily reflection and prayers as well.

John O’Brien, SDB: My ambition in reading and studying the Introduction to the Devout Life is to peel off the layers of bygone cultures and expressions, exposing clear meanings in current language, furthering greater understanding and easier applications in the spiritual life via the insights of St Francis de Sales’ ready and warm wisdom.

Kwang-Cheol Oh: Through reading the spiritual classics, especially the Introduction to the Devout Life, I want to feel ‘the heartbeat of God’. In so doing, I hope that I will enjoy the common spirit (holy communion) with the author and many spiritually sensitive readers through history.

Thien An Tran, OP: I’ve learned many new things from the reading. However, my new approach could be "when I read a spiritual classic, I should take some time to digest it. Besides, I need to read it with not only my reason, but with my heart."

Cecilia Tse, FMA: Here is the new approach I would like to take: I will take time to reflect the writings of the spiritual classics and try to adapt it to our context and live out the spiritual teachings in daily life.

Steve Von Stade: My new approach is to take more time to reflect on the message of the reading and allow it to speak to my heart.