"In the history of Christian spirituality, it is remarkable how little is said about lay spirituality in the world. By the mid-twentieth century, popular piety had generally accepted a wide chasm between the contemplative life reserved for a chosen few and the active life of most Christians living in the world," writes James J. Bacik, the Catholic campus minister at the University of Toledo in this book. The author believes that the challenge of the present era is "to develop an integrated spirituality which is prayerful and reflective as well as active and involved in earthly affairs."
James J. Bacik pays tribute to the following saints and thinkers who have demonstrated a synthesis of contemplation and action: St. Augustine, Hildegard of Bingen, St. Francis, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Maurice Blondel, and Teilhard de Chardin. After surveying the importance of theologian Karl Rahner's contribution to this ideal, the author presents stimulating essays on work, leisure, death, and grief. These pieces are remarkably eclectic and include meditations on the search for beauty in art, for transcendence in sports, for meaning in natural disasters, and for hope in personal tragedies. This is a fine exploration of everyday spirituality.