In Chapter 28 of The Way of Perfection St. Teresa of Avila explains the practice of recollection in reference to the 2nd article of the Lord’s prayer, Who art in heaven. It seems that she sees in this article in particular a way in to interior recollection. The method seems such: Dwell on the article, […]
St. Teresa’s Method of Recollection Read More »
Part One A. Introduction This essay is a catechetical response to the debate about Centering Prayer that has taken place within some sectors of the Catholic Church, and to some extent in Protestant ecclesial communities. There is a debate as to whether Centering Prayer is orthodox Christian prayer or whether it is New Age or too
Catechetical Essay on Centering Prayer Read More »
In Sacred Scripture we read that we must not let the sun go down while still angry, that to do so gives the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:26-27). The book of James speaks in many places about the virtue of patience and gentleness and warns that anger leads to unrighteousness. The Proverbs are full of
Resentment & Contemplation Read More »
In the Western tradition there is an history that helps us to understand a common misunderstanding that forms a cultural narrative. The narrative is this: meditation is an Eastern practice largely based in either the Buddhist or Indian (Hindu) tradition that westerners weren’t aware of until the encounter between the meditative and yogic traditions of
Meditation and Contemplation Read More »
Just what is rote prayer? And is it a waste of time? This article will answer these and related questions to better understand the value, purpose, and limits of rote prayer. Let’s start by defining rote. What does it really mean? A brief Google search will reveal that rote is typically used in a way