"Reading this book, I almost felt like I was encountering one of those wonderful women mystics of the Middle Ages. But Sister Wendy was one of us moderns. And that's a comfort, because her attunement to the current of the divine running through the physical world, and her affection for both humanity and humanity's creations, are powerful antidotes to the dismal cruelty of our late-stage-capitalist moment. As Jones invites us into the nun and art historian's generous, scintillating and at times daring theological vision, she reminds us why we fell in love with Sister Wendy Beckett in the first place."
— Rebecca Bratten Weiss, author of The Books that Made Us

"Many people knew and admired Sister Wendy for her writings and programmes about art. Few knew how deeply her insights were rooted in a life of solitary prayer and contemplation. Michelle Jones, better than anyone, has recognised her as one of the great mystics of our time, one whose vocation flowed from an overwhelming awareness of the presence of God. Sister Wendy's deep apprehension of God's love for all creation is a message of hope and healing for our suffering world."
— Robert Ellsberg, author (with Sister Wendy) of Dearest Sister Wendy: A surprising story of faith and

"This is a thoughtful and engaging book that helps us to see beyond Sister Wendy's popularity. Michelle Jones writes with insight, warmth and great sensitivity in showing the depth of Sister Wendy's life with God."
— Rt Revd Karin Johannesson, Bishop of Uppsala, Sweden

"A marvellous introduction to one of the most unusual, influential and surprising spiritual guides of modern times."
— James Martin SJ, author of Work in Progress

"Sister Wendy's radiant personality and spiritual wisdom have been captured by Michelle Jones in this wonderful compilation of her written and spoken words. With a vision that encompasses the whole of reality, Wendy challenges us to live a fully human life with an attitude of hope and joy even when we experience suffering; for the loving Father whom Jesus reveals can use all for our good."
— Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, author of Medieval Women Mystics

"Here the delight continues! What we felt and loved in Sister Wendy on TV is now expanded and deepened in written form. Enjoy!"
— Richard Rohr OFM

"Sister Wendy Beckett was an exceptional critic of art and a mystic who was also disarmingly earthy. Michelle Jones captures this all for her readers - Wendy's brilliant commentaries, deep faith, wonderful earthiness and sense of humour. This is a must read, both for existing Sister Wendy fans and for those who have yet to discover her."
— Ronald Rolheiser OMI

"In this book, we meet Sister Wendy Beckett in all her personas: the small child whose mystical vision of God never wavered, the awkward adult whose life as an active nun could not feed the hunger for God within, the hermit who unexpectedly became a television star, bringing the delight of art and God's grace within it to a worldwide audience. Michelle Jones brings to life a rare spirit who brought many to a deeper understanding of the divine through her ability to see it within the artistic genius of others."
— Gemma Simmonds CJ, Director of the Religious Life Institute, Cambridge

"This wonderful book is a precious gift for anyone interested in the depth-dimension of life and faith. Michelle Jones has approached her task with a sensitivity and spiritual discernment. Her engaging introduction lays the ground for all that follows with clarity and grace. Her careful selection and framing of Sister Wendy's writings, alongside comments and precious insights from those who knew and loved her, allow us to experience, page after page, how "the gift of Sr Wendy's extraordinary interior luminosity infuses that which we have always known with freshness, vitality and immediacy". "Think of religion as a trellis, a framework, on which the vine of love can grow," Sister Wendy invites us. This book serves precisely that purpose. Guided by Sister Wendy's wisdom and disarming honesty, and by Michelle Jones' careful curation, we are offered a gracious framework for the ever-deepening journey into love and understanding."
— Chris Whittington, founder of the School of Contemplative Life

"A marvellous and important book. To read it is to hear again the authentic voice of Sister Wendy that I know so well both off and on camera, a reminder that she was not just a quirky TV phenomenon but a profound and humane Christian thinker. From an astonishing range of sources - books, interviews, letters and TV programmes - Michelle Jones has drawn together a systematised exploration of Sister Wendy's theology. Dr Jones's clear and sensitive commentary marries perfectly with a judicious selection of Wendy's own words."
— David Willcock, TV producer, director and writer

Introduction: Sister Wendy Beckett - A Life Lived in the Light
Chapter One: A God of Overflowing Happiness
His infinite closeness and his infinite otherness
The great significance of the incarnation
God's all-pervading presence
God in other guises
Chapter Two: Sung Into Being by Love
The holy wonder of being human
Becoming the you God intends you to be
Joy: our natural homeland
Those among us who have allowed the light to shine through
Lasting happiness
Chapter Three: Living in the Heaven of God's Presence
Gateways into love
Happy freedom
The key is reverence
Carried through suffering into life
Chapter Four: Prayer: The Simplest Thing Out
Naked desire meets naked God
Active passivity
Blessed monotony
Prayer sweetens the world's atmosphere
Chapter Five: The Church: A Trellis for the Vine of Love
The Church: holy and bedraggled
We are 'in' Jesus
The strong objective prayer of the Mass
A heavenly air-purifier
Chapter Six: God's Work of Art
Saved from zombie-dom: the transforming power of art
Religious, spiritual and sacred art
The art of looking at art
Icons: means of communion with God