Oblation

"I first read Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule by Rachel Srubas wedged into a crowded Greyhound bus on a rainy Easter Sunday afternoon. Though that may not have been the ideal setting for a good spiritual read (nor probably where the author anticipated it would be read), it was actually quite lovely...The book possesses several strengths. Srubas' idea of writing as a valuable tool in engaging with sacred texts could easily be a jumping-off place for monastic ongoing formation committees, oblate groups, or parish adult education programs. Her articulation that her poems are 'responses to' the Rule, not 'translations of, ' is appreciated for its respect for Benedict's text and the tradition of scholarly interpretation...So whether one picks up Oblation: Meditations on St. Benedict's Rule on a Greyhound bus or in a choir stall, in solitude or the company of others, it is a worthwhile endeavor. The book is yet another vehicle on the ever-expanding landscape of ways to encounter the Rule of Benedict." --Susan Quaintance, O.S.B., St. Scholastica Monastery, Chicago, IL

"Picking up on the Benedictine practice of praying with Scripture known as lectio divina or 'divine reading, ' Srubas calls her reflections scriptio divina or 'divine writing.' Inspired by the Rule that in its time wedded ancient ideals to contemporary practices, Srubas allows both the Holy Spirit and Benedict's spirit to infuse her words. 'Every one of the prayers is an oblation, an offering to God, ' she writes. Accompanying each prayer is an excerpt from the section of the Rule that was its inspiration." --St. Anthony Messenger

"Skillfully combining images that are personal and universal, practical and mystical sometimes whimsical, Rachel Srubas offers a unique perspective on the Rule of Benedict. By training she is writer, poet and pastor, a mix that accords well with Benedictine tradition and spirituality. In a lively and perceptive introduction, she describes how her practice of Scriptio Divina (sacred writing) is an adaptation of the ancient monastic practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading). Accustomed to using this writing practice for meditation on Scripture texts, when she encountered the Rule Benedict wrote 1500 years ago, she used the same method. The 73 Benedictine prayer-poems in this slim book are the fruit of these reflections, her 'Oblation' (offering) to others who wish to savor the wisdom in that ancient text. This is a book to which thoughtful readers will want to return again and again." --Sr. Lenora Black, OSB, Spirit & Life

"Srubas, herself both a Benedictine oblate and a Presbyterian clergywoman, has written a collection of poemlike prayers and meditations directed at oblates and inspired by the Benedictine rule. [This volume] cast(s) fresh light on a little-known practice and should interest many readers. For most collections." --Library Journal