Early ReviewersDorothy Day

Fifty-two readings to spark weekly group discussion on putting Jesus’ most central teachings into practice. Jesus’ most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount possesses an irresistible quality. Who hasn’t felt stirred and unsettled after reading these words, which get to the root of the human condition? This follow-up to the acclaimed collection Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People taps an even broader array of sources, bringing together teachers and prophetic voices from every era and a range of traditions to unlock the repercussions of these essential words. More than a commentary or devotional, however, this book is designed to be read together with others, to engage and inspire communities of faith to discuss what it might look like to put these radical teachings into practice today. For, as intriguing as Jesus’ words are, they are also inflammatory, a challenge to the world as it is. Yet as these readings make clear, the Sermon on the Mount is neither an impossible ideal nor or a new ideology, ethical framework, or set of rules. Rather, when Jesus calls people to himself, a new social order is born, which he calls the kingdom of God. Jesus not only casts a vision of what this new way of righteousness, peace, and love looks like, but invites us to respond, and empowers us make it a reality.

How do you follow Jesus without burning out? In this guidebook Dorothy Day offers hard-earned wisdom and practical advice gained through decades of seeking to know Jesus and to follow his example and teachings in her own life. Unlike larger collections and biographies, which cover her radical views, exceptional deeds, and amazing life story, this book focuses on a more personal dimension of her life: Where did she receive strength to stay true to her God-given calling despite her own doubts and inadequacies and the demands of an activist life? What was the unquenchable wellspring of her deep faith and her love for humanity? Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, left a bohemian life to devote herself to serving the poor and fighting for justice. With Peter Maurin, she started the first of many houses of hospitality and launched The Catholic Worker newspaper. Her writings have inspired thousands to follow Jesus’ radical way of complete devotion to God and selfless service to others.

Why, in an age of connectivity, are our lives more isolated and fragmented than ever? And what can be done about it? The answer lies in the hands of God’s people. Increasingly, today’s Christians want to be the church, to follow Christ together in daily life. From every corner of society, they are daring to step away from the status quo and respond to Christ’s call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they take the plunge, they are discovering the rich, meaningful life that Jesus has in mind for all people, and pointing the church back to its original calling: to be a gathered, united community that demonstrates the transforming love of God. Of course, such a life together with others isn’t easy. The selections in this volume are, by and large, written by practitioners – people who have pioneered life in intentional community and have discovered in the nitty-gritty of daily life what it takes to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community over the long haul. Whether you have just begun thinking about communal living, are already embarking on a shared life with others, or have been part of a community for many years, the pieces in this collection will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you. The book’s fifty-two chapters can be read one a week to ignite meaningful group discussion.

Dorothy Day, the cofounder of the Catholic Worker movement, has been called the most significant, interesting and influential person in the history of American Catholicism. Now the publication of her diaries, previously sealed for 25 years after her death, offers an extraordinary look at her daily struggles, her hopes and her unwavering faith. Day has been featured in plays, a Hollywood film and even children's books. She is being considered by the Vatican for sainthood.