Among readers of Catholic spiritual books terms like consolation and desolation are often referred to. Consolation is referred to usually as something that keeps beginners interested in the path of seeking God through prayer and contemplation. But, so the story goes, more advanced pray-ers are going to experience more desolation because it is a deeper […]
Desolation and God Read More »
A Closer Examination of the First Cause of the Dark Night, Ascent of Mount Carmel, Stanza 1.2 In a different post, we examined the 3 primary reasons why the journey of the soul to Divine Union is called night. Here we will examine with more precision the first cause which St. John of the Cross
First Cause of the Dark Night Read More »
St. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount Carmel, Stanza 1.1
3 Reasons Why the Path to Divine Union is Called a “Dark Night” Read More »
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 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 »
Natural Contemplation: From Being to Divine Love These stages are followed in succession as the focal point of meditation.
Stages of Natural 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
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 »