Beyond the Walls Quotes

“Monasticism resonated with me, with my imperfect, impulsive self, because it encompasses all human activity and asks that the disparate parts and moments of our lives be not merely tolerated, or managed, but sanctified.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“If we expect compassion, we must be ready to offer compassion.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“Whether we are orderlies or orchestra conductors, either we befriend our work-- seeing in it the opportunity for moral excellence and a continual outpouring of heavenly grace-- or we become its victim.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“Prayer at once embraces our world and yet constantly measures and weighs it.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“(...) discernment asks that we constantly be open, both to God's gentle nudges and to the many opportunities for grace that are constantly being presented.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“Ordinary gestures, done with simplicity and purity of heart, take on new meaning”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“... stability prevents daydreaming about 'what if...' and inserts us totally into what we are doing, causing us to live with a new intensity.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“If we do not test ourselves daily, in seemingly small ways, our spiritual selves will never build the strength we will need when life's major trials are presented.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life

“Monasticism is not about dogma; it is about God and an authentic spirituality. Its simple truths beckon to be rediscovered.”
― Paul Wilkes, Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life