Difference between revisions of "Mystical & Contemplative Spirituality"
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| + | ==Mystical & Contemplative Spirituality== | ||
| + | God created us in his image and likeness, that we may be in relationship with him. As Saint Augustine of Hippo prayed, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.” At the same time, God is immeasurably greater than our knowledge of him. As Saint Paul puts it, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). | ||
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| + | For millennia, some persons have been particularly called to seek a deeper knowledge of God through mystical experiences. Some such persons have a vocation as mystic, while others find that this form of religious experience is merely one aspect of their devotional life, one way of growing deeper in the knowledge and love of God. Mystical experience is never a sign of religious superiority, and it must be understood in keeping with the doctrines of the Church. For those with this gift, it is to be received with gratitude and used under divine direction to serve the glory of God and to build up the faithful. Writings of orthodox mystics have served to edify the Church and guide others in the faith. One mystic, Saint Teresa of Avila, was named a “Doctor of the Church” for the gifts her experience and teaching provide. | ||
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| + | Contemplation is a form of prayer available more generally to Christians, and is accessible through discipline and attentiveness rather than by a particular gift. According to the Catechism, “In contemplation I lift my heart in love to God without any deliberate flow of thoughts or words.” It sometimes flows from the practice of meditation on religious subjects, and may include Scripture verses, icons, liturgical elements, or a crucifix. Christians may mature into this form of prayer through the disciplines of a [[Rule of Life]] and the elements which that includes. It is benefited by learning how to be silent before God, and to be an open and available listener. This practice also often leads to a deepening in the knowledge and love of God. | ||
==Recommended Reading== | ==Recommended Reading== | ||
==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
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| + | ''Interior Castle'', Teresa of Avila | ||
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| + | ''Revelations of Divine Love'', Julian of Norwich | ||
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==Ascetical Theology== | ==Ascetical Theology== | ||
Revision as of 23:49, 7 June 2017
Contents
Mystical & Contemplative Spirituality
God created us in his image and likeness, that we may be in relationship with him. As Saint Augustine of Hippo prayed, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.” At the same time, God is immeasurably greater than our knowledge of him. As Saint Paul puts it, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
For millennia, some persons have been particularly called to seek a deeper knowledge of God through mystical experiences. Some such persons have a vocation as mystic, while others find that this form of religious experience is merely one aspect of their devotional life, one way of growing deeper in the knowledge and love of God. Mystical experience is never a sign of religious superiority, and it must be understood in keeping with the doctrines of the Church. For those with this gift, it is to be received with gratitude and used under divine direction to serve the glory of God and to build up the faithful. Writings of orthodox mystics have served to edify the Church and guide others in the faith. One mystic, Saint Teresa of Avila, was named a “Doctor of the Church” for the gifts her experience and teaching provide.
Contemplation is a form of prayer available more generally to Christians, and is accessible through discipline and attentiveness rather than by a particular gift. According to the Catechism, “In contemplation I lift my heart in love to God without any deliberate flow of thoughts or words.” It sometimes flows from the practice of meditation on religious subjects, and may include Scripture verses, icons, liturgical elements, or a crucifix. Christians may mature into this form of prayer through the disciplines of a Rule of Life and the elements which that includes. It is benefited by learning how to be silent before God, and to be an open and available listener. This practice also often leads to a deepening in the knowledge and love of God.
Recommended Reading
Resources
Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila
Revelations of Divine Love, Julian of Norwich
Ascetical Theology
a. Prayer life and spirituality of minister b. Understanding of Spiritual Disciplines c. Spiritual Direction d. Rule of Life e. Daily Office f. Monasticism & its role in the development of our liturgy g. Missional applications of ascetical theology h. Monasticism and mission i. Mystical & Contemplative Spirituality j. Tools for Prayer and Scripture Reading k. Vocation l. Discernment m. Gifts & Fruit of the Spirit n. Stewardship
