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 […]
1) Those monks who have praised solitude wished to bear witness to a mystery, whose riches they had indeed experienced, but whose full penetration is reserved for heaven alone; for in solitude there is ever being enacted the great mystery of Christ and his Church, of which our Lady is the outstanding exemplar, but which
Carthusian Statutes: Guigues’ Praise of Life in Solitude Read More »
Definition of Natural Meditation: Meditation that takes place in reference to the first order of knowledge, nature, rather than the Word of God in Sacred Scripture and Holy Tradition. The ancient Greeks (esp. Plato and Aristotle) and Romans (e.g. Cicero), Buddhists (Buddha and followers, e.g. Thich Nhat Hahn), Hindus (followers of yogic meditative traditions of
Comments on Pre-Christian Forms of Natural Meditation Read More »
In other posts I have mentioned the similarity between the admission of powerless and unmanageability in the 12 Steps of AA and the essential foundation of the spiritual combat as Dom Lorenzo Scupoli describes in the treatise, “The Spiritual Combat.” The genius of this book is not simply that it reflects this perennial truth of
Healthy Self Distrust Read More »
If I stay sober emotionally, I can be mindful of when I start being driven by the attitude of lust. And when I see it, I can let it go. In my meditation this morning I was able to experience how my addiction to lust makes my whole body tense and drives me like a
Emotional Sobriety & the Attitude of Lust Read More »
The book 12 Steps & 12 Traditions illustrates the importance of distrust of self, seeing it as the foundation for recovery from the disease of alcoholism. It reads, … only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength (pg. 21). Why is “utter defeat” so important for recovery
Lust and the Spiritual Combat: Distrust of Self – II Read More »
In the ascetical classic, The Spiritual Combat, by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli he views the spiritual life through the lens of 4 principles, or 4 steps. They are: 1) Distrust of Self 2) Confidence in God 3) Proper use of the faculties of the body and mind 4) The duty of prayer. In our culture distrust
Lust and the Spiritual Combat: Distrust of Self – I Read More »
Holy gratitude is distinct from ordinary gratitude in that its object is divine. That means God. But it also means God insofar as He is present in his Angels and Saints, and in Creation. Holy Gratitude isn’t merely a sentiment that wells up spontaneously, though this can happen. Holy Gratitude rather is a discipline, it
Holy Gratitude: What is it? Read More »
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 RSV). Many times in my life I have been paralyzed trying to make a decision between two good and moral options. I can become so paralyzed by the fear of making the
God Works for the Good Read More »
Where are you… asks the Creator. Where are you? Adam answers, “I was hiding.. I was afraid.” We are hiding dear LORD, hiding from your merciful Love, hiding from your Presence. We are hiding in our most wounded parts, in our deepest sin-alienation-fear. There are parts of us we keep from You. Those places are