Joan Chittister, OSB, is a Benedictine sister and international lecturer who has been a leading voice in spirituality for more than thirty years. She has authored over forty books, most recently Uncommon Gratitude and The Monastery of the Heart, part of a program she is helping to develop to enable lay groups to live Benedictine spirituality in a contemporary way.
Often I found myself reading sentences and paragraphs over
again—and aloud—for the sheer pleasure of the flow of thought and
the sound of the words…. Chittister and Williams give ample cause,
motivation, and desire to sing out ‘Alleluia,’ encouraging us to
lift up our minds, hearts, and spirits at every turn of life’s
journey.James A. Wallace, CSsR, New Theology Review
Christians always need to ponder the whole of life, ‘all that is.’
While the book offers a collection of spiritual remarks toward that
goal rather than an overarching Christian philosophy, the
individual chapters, especially those by Williams, give valuable
insights to Christians as they attempt to face the most profound
challenges with gratitude.Anglican and Episcopal History
The prolific Benedictine nun Chittister (The Liturgical Year) joins
the erudite archbishop of Canterbury in a series of reflections on
finding the hidden face of God in a variety of circumstances and
offering praise. Alleluia is a hail to God, a call offered not
nearly as frequently as complaint is in these times. But Chittister
explains that alleluia is a call to reflection. . . the final Amen
to all that is. The varied subjects of the 23 essays–faith, doubt,
Genesis, saints–are very loosely grouped, and Williams contributes
only five, a shortcoming of the book given the provocative
originality with which the Anglican primate thinks. He writes of
good sinners–those with a degree of awareness of something much
larger or of divine fullness preparing to create its own echo in
the world. Chittister is pre-eminently practical: the purpose of
wealth is generosity, doubt gives birth to faith. The two authors
are nicely complementary in the ways they anchor their insights in
real life conditio
The book is a walk through the Paschal Mystery. It takes everyday
life experiences and weaves together death and disappointment,
insight and growth, sin and liberation. It is a book of Alleluias
for the marvelous richness of life. The Living Church
Uncommon Gratitude: Allelluia for All That Is comes from the
Archbishop of Canterbury who maintains the proper stance in the
Christian world is one of gratitude. This surveys things to be
grateful for--and reflects on how singing ‘alleluia’ opens the door
to other realities and truths. A fine inspirational reflection any
Christian collection will welcome.The Midwest Book Review
In her examination of darkness, death, the future, and God,
Chittister keeps her heart open and her eyes on the prize of
gratitude which enables us to bear all things and still lift our
souls in praise of the Creator.Spirituality & Practice
In Uncommon Gratitude two fascinating story-tellers tackle head-on
the question, ‘What is life all about?’ From the 2004 Tsunami to
the Seven Deadly Sins, and from world-shaking events to daily haps
and mishaps. When, how, and why can we shout ‘Alleluia!’—become
Alleluia—in the midst of it all, in spite of it all? Before I put
this page-turner down, I had wept and smiled and shouted
‘Alleluia!’ in my heart in deep gratitude for this uncommon book.
Book circles and study groups will find it particularly
useful.Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB
Author, lecturer, co-founder of www.gratefulness.org
A soul stretching book by two contemporary prophets. Alleluia for
Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams for this inspiring and timely
message of hope in the midst of so much fear and violence. A faith
filled and prophetic perspective on the dark and hurting spaces in
our world and lives. We are both invited and challenged to pick up
our pieces, dry our tears, shake ourselves down, and continue the
journey with renewed hope and joy. Alleluia indeed.Edwina
Gateley
Poet, writer, international speaker, and women’s advocate
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