Description:

While Peter of John Olivi (d. 1298) is generally classified more as a theologian and/or philosopher than as a spiritual director, Robert Karris presents several short works by Olivi which clearly indicate that he was concerned for the spiritual progress of lay people, too. Besides Olivi’s four spiritual writings – The Armed Soldier, The Prayer of Thanksgiving, Lessons on Growth in the Spiritual Life and Remedies against Spiritual Temptations – Karris adds his treatise on The Lord’s Prayer, on The Seven Sentiments of Christ Jesus, and an abbreviated version of his commentary on Mary’s response to Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38.

In addition to the works of Olivi, Karris provides many helpful footnotes that illumine the meaning of the text, and in an appendix he has translated two interpretive parallels to help readers see where Olivi follows traditional lines of thought and where he diverges into his own unique treatment.

For too long the temptation to dismiss Olivi as a Franciscan reformer who ran afoul of the Roman authorities after his death has kept his writings in the background of Franciscan scholarship. Now, with this short but penetrating introduction to another facet of Peter of John Olivi’s ministry, Karris gives us reason to look again and find new treasures in the life of Olivi which can enrich us today.

Robert J. Karris, OFM

ISBN: 978-1-57659-344-8