Blessed Weakness

Homilies for Sundays in Year A

André Louf, OCSO; Translated by Paul Rowe, OCSO

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ISBN: 9780879073077, MW069P

Details: 228 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 5/8
Publication Date: 09/11/2025

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Blessed Weakness contains Dom André’s homilies on the Gospel passages for Year A of the church’s three-year liturgical cycle. These homilies reflect Dom André’s spiritual insights about the wisdom in the teachings of Christ. The title conveys a favorite theme of Dom André’s: God’s special love for humans in their weakness, manifested in Jesus’ leaving behind his glory to become one of us in weakness, living among and ministering to the poor. Contemplative reflection on these Gospel passages and on Dom André’s insights will provide a path for the reader and hearer to seek a deeper union with God.

Dom André Louf, OCSO (1929–2010), became a monk at the Cistercian abbey of Mont-des-Cats, in the northwest of France, in 1947. After being elected abbot in 1963, he continued in that position for almost thirty-five years, earning widespread admiration for his preaching and teaching.

ISBN: 9780879073077, MW069P

Details: 228 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 5/8
Publication Date: 09/11/2025

Reviews

“This book is a treasure. These homilies are like personalized words of wisdom from Fr. Louf that can serve to keep me grounded in the Cistercian charism. The prudence in these pages transcend culture and ecumenical tradition.”

Michael C. Voigts, lay Cistercian and author of The Fourth Degree of Prayer

“Like St. Bernard, in these short sermons for the liturgical year Dom André Louf ‘speaks Scripture.’ Rarely does he refer to contemporary or historical events, to the history or contemporary situation of his own community. Again like St. Bernard, he interprets Scripture with Scripture. He tells no stories or jokes. He does illuminate each gospel passage with some new insight—a helpful comparison to another scriptural passage, reading the gospel passage from a different perspective, in light of an observation about human nature, or in relation to another scriptural passage. In this jejune style Dom Andre speaks to all men and women, monastic and lay, and makes the gospel ever new. These sermons, I felt, invited me to a deeper, quieter reflection on the Gospel.”

Fr. Abbot Peter Verhalen, OCist, Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey

“The depth of Dom André’s homilies on the Gospel readings throughout the liturgical year reflect a lifetime of monastic prayer and community life. These eminently readable yet profound meditations draw from the rich Cistercian tradition to offer spiritual wisdom that speaks to anyone seeking deeper connection with the Divine. While engaging the major themes presented by the Gospel readings, especially the teachings of Jesus, Dom André provides countless opportunities for readers to ‘taste and see the goodness of the Lord.’”

F. Tyler Sergent, associate professor and medievalist, Berea College, Kentucky

“Here is a preacher who truly knows how to bring forth treasures both new and old. André Louf speaks as one steeped in the Cistercian tradition but with an approach to the scriptures that is fresh and personal. His words are filled with an urgency to make known to every person that they are beloved by a God who is forever coming to meet them in their ‘blessed weakness.’ Addressed not simply to those living the monastic life but to all believers, these homilies speak to all who seek greater intimacy with Jesus Christ in their lives.”

Sr. Grace Remington, Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey