Balaam's Donkey is a series of daily reflections based on the homilies preached by Cistercian monk Michael Casey over his fifty years of priesthood. What remained of the original homilies was a large box full of index cards with a few talking points on each. From there, Casey has re-created the homilies and recast them into short reflections, arranged randomly for every day of the year. The range of topics discussed is broad and the approach taken differs with each reflection, most of them colored with a touch of Casey's whimsy and good humor.

About the Author
Michael Casey, OCSO, has been a monk of Tarrawarra Abbey (Australia) since 1960. In the intervening years he has conducted many retreats and workshops on every continent (except Antarctica) and has written many articles on topics relating to monastic history and spirituality. He is also the author of many books, including The Road to Eternal Life: Reflections on the Prologue of Benedict's Rule and Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living: Reflections on the Fourth Chapter of Benedict's Rule, both from Liturgical Press.

Reviews
"Balaam's Donkey is the work of a creative genius. Who else but Michael Casey could take the leftovers of 50 years of homilies, and serve up a splendid meal? The table of contents is comprised of 366 words, giving us one word leading into a reflection for each day of the year. Who else but Michael Casey could take words such as `and' or `cold water' and let them lead us into a meaningful meditation for the day?

"As these words find an echo in your heart you begin to feel, more than see, the interconnectedness of the book. Casey calls it `random ruminations' but I noticed after reading the meditation for the day and putting the book down, I felt better about the coming day. Hope and encouragement is the golden string binding these reflections together like the bundle of myrrh' so dear to the lover in the Song of Songs 1:13."

Abbot Brendan Freeman, Mellifont Abbey, Ireland
"Casey's `repurposed' homilies are the best fruit of lectio divina. Wherever you stick your thumb in, you pull out a spiritually wise and theologically thought-provoking plumb. Engaging turns of phrase and energetic prose promote reflection that is both sweet and sustaining." Bonnie Thurston, Author of Maverick Mark: The Untamed First Gospel
"In this eclectic collection of short homilies for each day of the year, Michael Casey brings surprise, challenge, comfort, and encouragement to the reader who wonders at the workings of God in everyday life. His usual sharp wit and profound insight into the very heart of the human condition and the scriptural text, along with his uncanny ability to make the quirkiest of connections with all manner of sources, make this work an apt companion to one who desires a word of wisdom as they journey through a year of seeking God."Carmel Posa, SGS, Co-editor of Tjurunga: An Australasian Benedictine Review
"Michael Casey is one of the best spiritual guides for our times, or for any time. There is truly gold here."
Catholic Books Review
"This is one of the most delightful, eclectic, and useful books that I have ever read. His content is substantive, written in an easy style, and spattered with Casey's bits of humor. The only downside I found in the book was that, if purchased by the monastic library, you might have to wait years to read it!"
American Benedictine Review
"I am grateful that Casey has generously shared some of the fruits of his fifty years of priesthood. All 365 reflections offer a wise and engaging insight into the gospel message."
The Australasian Catholic Record



Book Information
ISBN 9780814684634
Author Michael Casey, OCSO
Format Paperback
Page Count 488
Imprint Liturgical Press
Publisher Liturgical Press
Weight(grams) 680g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 27mm