Tag: contemplation
Contemplation of Divine Things
. . . As long then as this inequality lasts in this world, [works of charity and mercy] will be needful and useful to the man that practises it, as it brings to a good purpose and pious will the reward of an eternal inheritance: but it will come to an end in the life… Read More ›
From the Life of St. Benedict
When this great temptation was thus overcome, the man of God, like to a piece of ground well tilled and weeded, of the seed of virtue brought forth plentiful store of fruit: and by reason of the great report of his wonderful holy life, his name became very famous. Not far from the place where… Read More ›
Reality and Existence
The man who lives in division is not a person but on an “individual.” I have what you have not. I am what you are not. I have taken what you have failed to take and I have seized what you could never get. Therefore you suffer and I am happy, you are despised and… Read More ›
The delights of contemplation
If you ask me how to obtain the delights of contemplation, my immediate answer is by living in the wilderness and coming up from it. You know what scripture says: `The Lord God will make the wilderness of Sion like delights, and her desert like the garden of the Lord’. Stay in solitude and be… Read More ›
Without monasticism, Protestants miss out on community
CLYDE, Mo. NCR — Sr. Dawn, who met us when we arrived at the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration monastery here, used to be what I still am — a Presbyterian. Same story with Sr. Sean, the prioress. Same with two old friends whom my wife and I accompanied on a recent Sunday visit to… Read More ›
Four Movements of Lectio Divina
Prepared by the novices of Gethsemani Abbey, via Fr. Michael Lectio (Reading) Acquaintanceship Read the Scripture Gather the facts “Listen” to God’s word What word/phrase speaks to you? (allow 1-2 min quiet time) Meditatio (Meditation) Friendliness Read the Scripture again Let Jesus speak to you Reflect on the message What is God saying to you?… Read More ›
Self-Discovery
Discovering the contemplative life is a new self-discovery. One might say it is the flowering of a deeper identity on an entirely different plane from a mere psychological discovery, a paradoxical new identity that is found only in loss of self. To find one’s self by losing one’s self: that is part of ‘contemplation.’ Remember… Read More ›
If you wish to advance in virtue
The soul has followed Moses and the cloud, both of these serving as guides for those who would advance in virtue; Moses her represents the commandments of the Law; and the cloud that leads the way, its spiritual meaning. The soul has been purified by crossing the Sea; it has removed from itself and destroyed… Read More ›
Signs of self-love
Fickleness and indecision are signs of self-love. If you can never make up your mind what God wills for you, but are always veering from one opinion to another, from one practice to another, from one method to another, it may be an indication that you are trying to get around God’s will and do… Read More ›
Remain at every moment in contact with God
The life of contemplation in action and purity of heart is, then, a life of great simplicity and inner liberty. One is not seeking anything special or demanding any particular satisfaction. One is content with what is. One does what is to be done, and the more concrete it is, the better. One is not… Read More ›