Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock, by S.C. Biela (HARDBACK)

FROM THE BACKCOVER:

“ I pray that those who read this thoughtful book will be led to a more profound awareness of God's love and that such love will stir up in all hearts an unbounded gratitude to our loving God, the Mighty One who 'has done great things for [us], and holy is His name' (Luke 1:49).”
Theodore Cardinal McCarrick
Archbishop of Washington

From the author of In the Arms of Mary and GOD Alone Suffices comes another profound book about the interior life. Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock is the fruit of S.C. Biela's many years of deep reflections and insights regarding the Christian spiritual life. In it he expounds on and explains various stages of interior life. For this very reason his book can be beneficial for both the beginners in spiritual life, as well as those who are more advanced, leading them on their road to transforming union with Christ. The fourth book in this series, Open Wide the Door to Christ, demonstrates the importance of spiritual poverty on this road.

ENDORSEMENTS FROM THE CLERGY:

“… In a time when self-affirmation and positive thinking have become the current values, it is easy to justify self-love with many psychological theories. Yet, Biela's analysis goes beyond mere psychology – it calls us to a reassessment of our core values, our idea of self, and above all, our relationship with God. An honest discernment gives us a clearer understanding of our selves and helps us to accept our own limitations. It will lead us to embrace the Person who can truly heal our inadequacies and place our self in its proper relation to reality. It is by going through the painful process of knowing ourselves that we can say with St. Paul, 'what I am now, I am through the grace of God…' (1 Cor. 15:10).

I hope this work of S.C. Biela will lead many others to a greater appreciation of themselves and a greater openness to the Lord who continues to knock on our doors.”
--Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
Archbishop of Cebu

“With great joy I again consent to write this foreword for Dr. Slawomir Biela's new book [Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock]. I have done this in the past and I have no doubts in stating that he is one of the most significant and original authors of spiritual topics in our times. I believe that this author should be included in what we could call the spirit and method of a broad group of Polish thinkers. This group, to which Karol Cardinal Wojtyla belonged as master and inspiration in the period when he was Archbishop of Krakow, has a very compelling method. This method consists of choosing a biblical excerpt, deepening it and drawing from it conclusions for spiritual life, comparing and contrasting its message with the events of our times. It is an actualization of the traditional 'lectio sacra,' of so much importance for Christian spirituality and especially for monastic life. The fact that it is not a clergyman or a monk, but a layperson, who accomplishes this with such depth as Dr. Biela, is also a sign of our times.”
--Ricardo Maria Cardinal Carles Gordo
Archbishop Emeritus of Barcelona

“The author is rather inspired by the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux, which awaken his sensitivity to the path of 'spiritual childhood.'...

By resorting to strong images, many of which are biblical in origin, the author may help the reader to determine the spiritual stage in which he finds himself and help the reader to not content himself with meagre victories over sin or tenuous conquests of virtue. Everything may be just about to begin now and according to God’s rhythm. Conversion to the Gospel is the beginning of a long path, which may be covered only at the pace set by God. Humility, mentioned so many times, is the proper attitude of those who recognize the absolute supremacy of God on the path to sanctity.”
--José da Cruz Cardinal Policarpo
Patriarch of Lisbon


ENDORSEMENTS FROM THE LAITY:

“Biela encourages a brave childlike soul to traverse the journey that many are not willing to undertake because of the attachment to the ego. To boldly go with trust and confidence into uncharted areas known only to God. This journey is a lifelong personal process of 'dying to self.'”
--Jim Benefield, MspEd, MA, MPC, DAPA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“This book is a very interesting and inspirational read. It is written from a Catholic perspective but it applies to all people in the world. In this book the author discusses how Jesus stands at the door to our soul and knocks. He says that to receive God into our souls we must listen for His knocking and open the door. God will not force us to do this...This book gives a person from beginner to the older Christian a lot of spiritual guidance. It gives you a lot to think about and try to follow. It is a wonderful spiritual resource for any Christian. It is very thought provoking.” (Complete review posted at www.spiritrestoration.org)
--Jacqueline Bethune
from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York, Nebraska.

--Lisa M. Hendey's recommended book
CatholicMom.com

"I recommend this book to everyone searching for the answer to the questions: What does it mean that God is 'knocking'? How do I know when it is God knocking? How do I answer His call? This book reminds the reader that God's 'knock' is very simple and very powerful, and ALWAYS love! In His mercy, He asks only that we see ourselves as beloved sinners and abandon ourselves to Him as such! How do we do this?...read this beautiful and hope-filled book!"
--Peter Downing, President and National Animator
Families of Nazareth Movement - USA