To commemorate the great founder of Western monasticism, I've been reading a splendid new book, by an Irish Benedictine, Gregory Collins. The title is: Meeting Christ in his Mysteries: A Benedictine Vision of the Spiritual Life (Liturgical Press).Aside from the influence of his own monastic tradition, the author has been deeply influenced by the tradition of Eastern Christianity. He is also keenly knowledgeable about contemporary theology -- his footnotes can almost be read on their own as insightful discussions of theologians and issues.Here is an indication of his intention in writing the book:

My purpose in this book is to show how contemplation of the revealed mysteries, recorded in scripture and celebrated in worship, is capable of generating a mystical spirituality rooted in the church's liturgy, experienced in the depths of the soul, and flowing out into everyday life. In an authentic vision of Christian mysticism there ought to be no dichotomy between a supposedly "institutional church" (as if the community born of Pentecost could ever be just an institution) and an esoteric "mysticism" (in danger of degenerating into spiritual luxury and self-indulgence) practiced by atomized individuals; nor between communal liturgical celebration and so-called "private" solitary contemplation.

I think the book a fine contribution, for monastics and non-monastics alike, toward furthering Benedict's goal of establishing a "school of the Lord's service."