VESPER TIME

Book Review

VESPER TIME

THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF GROWING OLDER

By Frank J. Cunningham

Thank you Father Jerry for your recommendation

About the Author:

Frank J. Cunningham is a former newspaper and magazine writer and editor; university writing instructor; and book editor and publisher of Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN. One of the most successful religion publishers of his generation, since his retirement Frank has been discovering and enjoying, as well as sharing with others in talks and workshops, the spiritual practice of aging.

Book Summary:

Vespers, or evening prayer, observed at the time of the lighting of the lamps just before darkness descends, that beautiful time of dusk, when the stars begin to shine.  Frank Cunningham uses this metaphor for a time of life, when the experience of aging becomes a spiritual practice.  With humor and wisdom, he looks at five aspects of this integral spirituality—memory, intimacy, diminishment, gratitude, and acceptance—.  Each chapter is filled with personal reflections from his real-life experiences, stories from friends and acquaintances that offer guidance and encouragement.  The last chapter “Suggestions for Discussion and Reflection” offers the reader an opportunity to reflect.  Vesper Time is a book for anyone, of any age who wishes to look back on their life, celebrate past experiences and look forward to the spiritual adventure that lies ahead.

Sharing my thoughts:

I truly did enjoy reading this book.  The “growing older” did make me stop and think.  After all, in my mind I’m still in high school.  The reality ‘Not’!  So as I began reading, I found myself looking forward to the next chapter.  The challenge, how do I express to you what reading this book means to me?  Without being too long, let me share quotes that got my attention and made me think.

“My memories have rekindled wonder, revelations of grace from an ‘enchanted world’: As I stopped to ponder this idea of memories being ‘enchanted’, I smiled.  Remembering is like reliving a dream, except it was real.  It happened.  All that I have experienced the good and not so good has made me the person I am today. 

“How ordinary, yet how intimate”:  In the face of a child or the beauty of clouds in the sky, or just sitting quietly in my thoughts are just a few ordinary moments.   This is when I place myself in the presence of God and ask “Are you holding me Lord?”   I allow myself to feel his embrace and give thanks for these moments!

“Gratitude is a way of prayer”:  From childhood, through high school, and in my adult years, I am grateful for those who have influenced, guided and yes, even given me “constructive criticism”.  When reflecting on what I am grateful for, my heart is full!   I am grateful for my faith, my family, my friends, good health and to be a child of God, loved unconditionally and forgiven.

There was so much in this book to absorb, too much to write about.  Don’t let the title scare you off, the “growing older” part.  It’s never too late or too soon to look into our soul and reflect.  We are all a work in progress and by nature always wanting to do better spiritually.  For me, this book was a good way to look at myself and look forward to my years ahead in a prayerful way. 

To my parish family – For the wonderful memories each of you have given me, for all those “ordinary” moments we encounter together, and gratitude for what you have brought into my life, I pray that you find comfort in knowing that our “Lord is holding you”.  Take care, be safe and stay healthy.

Peace, love and blessings,

 

Gloria Wheeler 

(Glory Bee)