My parish spirituality book club discussed this book, and it was one of our favorites. Julian's worldview is so positive and uplifting, and images from her writing will stay with us for years to come. Nearly all of us in the group went on to buy Revelations of Divine Love (Julian's original work). This book offered an insightful introduction, excellent reflections, and a summary of Julian's main thought. It is the type of book that can be read in an hour or two or used for an entire retreat. Highly recommended.

Joanmarie Smith, Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, provides an approach to viewing the ministry of teaching within the context of the sacramental life. Using five phrases from the Great Thanksgiving of the Eucharist, she takes the physical acts of "take, thank, bless, break, give" and translates those into a sacramental perspective on ministry. While targeted primarily to teachers and catechists, this book is valuable for all who wish to approach their ministry and their lives sacramentally.

In her book, Sister Joanmarie Smith, CSJ, imposes the Eucharistic actions of take, thank, bless, break, and give onto the teaching task. She then goes a step further by encouraging the reader to look at her/his life roles as actions contained in the Eucharist. As a result of reading Sister Joanmarie's book, the reader comes away with an increased self-awareness of the interconnectedness of Eucharist and our daily lives. If you are seeking spiritual growth and personal understanding of the implications of the Eucharist in your life, this book is highly recommended.

Upon first glance , this book would appear unintimidating to the reader, however what a surprise to find such powerful content in a small package. Teaching as Eucharist by Joan Marie Smith is an insightful treasure with such wisdom! Christian education is to be approached with reverance. The author encourages taking the perspective of a true teacher,with Jesus as the ultimate example. The acts of TAKE,THANK,BLESS,BREAK,GIVE just as in the Holy sacraments, are effective and demonstrate the interaction of spirit and humankind. This is a beneficial resource for anyone involved in the ministry of education.

Gloria Durka has written other books within the "Praying With" series which are very good (notably the one on Julian of Norwich), but this effort on Hildegard of Bingen was disappointing. While the introduction is a very good summary of Hildegard's life and times and some of the major themes of her writings, the actual chapters are quite shallow. There is simply not enough "meat" for prayer and reflection. More excerpts from her writings would have been welcome. However, for some, it may be a non-threatening introduction to this major figure.

This is a simple introduction to some of the major themes of Hildegard of Bingen, and an invitation to take some of those themes and internalize them in daily prayer and meditation. It is not for the reader looking for a translation of Hildegard's writings, or for an in-depth study of her writings, music, etc. The author instead has excerpted a few passages and uses them as a means for the reader to reflect on his or her own life in reflection and prayer. If this is what you are looking for, it succeeds admirably.