Sounds True: Insights at the Edge Sister Joan Chittister: Presence and Perpetual Goodness
Jan 20, 2026
Join Sister Joan Chittister, an esteemed American Benedictine nun and prolific author, as she delves into the depths of contemplative spirituality and its parallels with enlightenment. She explores how a lifetime of monastic practice reveals divine presence in daily life, emphasizing goodness as the mind of God. Sister Joan discusses the importance of understanding women's roles in society, the responsibility of humanity toward creation, and navigating personal faith amidst institutional challenges. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on the sacrament of the present moment and the transformative power of struggle.
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Contemplation As Christian 'Enlightenment'
- Christian tradition maps a path to a unitive, wordless contemplation analogous to Eastern enlightenment.
- Monastic practices like Lectio and choral prayer cultivate a gradual slipping into constant awareness.
Spiritual Growth Is A Slow Bloom
- Spiritual transformation often lacks a single decisive moment and unfolds slowly like a seed growing.
- A lifelong cultivated practice leads to a gradual blossoming of deeper consciousness.
Goodness As The Mind Of God
- Sister Joan prioritizes goodness as the foundational lens for seeing creation.
- She argues that creation's potential is rooted in goodness, even when corrupted outcomes appear.
