cover image Journey in a Holy Land: A Spiritual Journal

Journey in a Holy Land: A Spiritual Journal

M. Basil Pennington, . . Paraclete, $19.95 (177pp) ISBN 978-1-55725-473-3

When Pennington, a Cistercian monk best known for his work Centering Prayer , died June 3 from injuries suffered in an auto accident, the manuscript of what has become his last book was found on his desk. This journal of his travels to the land he calls "thrice holy" for its significance to three major religions consists largely of observations from his first trip, but also incorporates three later tours. In some ways, the journal is an unremarkable book recording a pilgrim's daily movements and habits. However, as with any trip, the mundane often morphs into the exceptional, particularly when Pennington visits places where key events in the life of Christ are said to have occurred. In one such instance, the crucifixion comes alive for him at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he sees the passion as totally enmeshed in life, in contrast to the sterile pictures and images in many churches. In another, the most disturbing of his trip, an old man approaches Pennington for help in finding the body of his drowned son as the monk is contemplating Christ's words, "I will make you fishers of men." Pennington's reflections make for thoughtful reading that will be appreciated by Christian readers, especially those who have traveled to Israel. (Feb.)