on prayer deacon d. gannon, j.d., m.a.. course outline (high level) prayer in the son and spirit...

On Prayer

Deacon D. Gannon, J.D., M.A.

Course Outline (high level)

Prayer In the Son and Spirit 2598-2649 Universal call to prayer & holiness 2566 - 2597 Necessity of prayer Prayer Indispensable for holiness Presuppositions, (Wellsprings) to Prayer 2652 -2662 What is Prayer 2559 - 2565 Types of Prayer 2626 - 2649 Jesus and Prayer 2598 – 2616 Method

Course Outline (cont’d)

Ways and Guides of Prayer The Way of Prayer 2663 - 2682 Guides to Prayer 2683 – 2696 The Three Ages of the Interior Life

Purgative, Illuminative and Unitive Way St. Teresa of Avila - Mansions St. John of the Cross – Dark Night St. Therese – Little Way of Spiritual Childhood Abandonment to Divine Providence

Sources & Recommended Readings

Abandonment to Divine Providence – Caussade Catechism of the Catholic Church Christian Perfection and Contemplation – Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange Collected Works of St. John of the Cross Collected Works of St. Teresa of Jesus Complete Spiritual Doctrine of St. Therese - Jamart Difficulties in Mental Prayer – Rev. Eugene Boylan Divine Mercy – Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska Fire Within – Rev. Thomas Dubay The Imitation of Christ – Thomas a’ Kempis I Want To See God / I Am a Daughter of the Church – P. Marie-Eugene, O.C.D. Introduction to the Devout Life – St. Francis de Sales Life of Christ – Bishop Fulton J. Sheen Meeting God in the Heart – Douglas Bushman Summa Theologica – St. Thomas Aquinas St. Jane de Chantal – On Prayer Story of a Soul – St. Therese of Lisieux The Three Ages of the Interior Life – Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange Various works from Dom Hubert VanZeller Various Church Encyclicals by Pope John Paul II

Tonight …

Prayer In the Son and Spirit Universal call to prayer & holiness 2566 - 2597 Necessity of prayer Prayer Indispensable for holiness Presuppositions, (Wellsprings) to Prayer 2652 -

2662 What is Prayer 2559 - 2565 Types of Prayer 2626 - 2649 Jesus and Prayer 2598 – 2616 Method

Universal Call to Prayer

The Holy Father has addressed the leaders of all Catholic evangelized laity at the Vatican in these words:

"Holiness has at its core the contemplation of the Lord Jesus, and all our millennium planning must seek to lead people to a deeper awareness of the One Who is the only Savior of the world. This requires mature and faithful prayer. Let your communities and movements become genuine 'schools' of prayer where the meeting with Jesus is expressed not just in imploring help, but also in praise, thanksgiving, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion, until the heart truely 'falls in love' (Novo Millennio Incunte, 33).

"Put out into the deep of prayer in order to put out into the deep of mission."

"Holiness has at its core the contemplation of the Lord Jesus, and all our millennium planning must seek to lead people to a deeper awareness of the One Who is the only Savior of the world. This requires mature and faithful prayer. Let your communities and movements become genuine 'schools' of prayer where the meeting with Jesus is expressed not just in imploring help, but also in praise, thanksgiving, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion, until the heart truely 'falls in love' (Novo Millennio Incunte, 33).

"Put out into the deep of prayer in order to put out into the deep of mission." - Pope John Paul II, April 2001

“Operatio Sequitur Esse”

… Actions flow from being.

What is first in intention is last in executionWhat is first in intention is last in executionFirst three CCC pillars: Creed/Revelation & Sacramental life & Moral Life … ordered to UNION with God…

Transverberation of St. Teresa

Universal Call to Holiness

Pope John Paul IIPope John Paul II

"It is necessary…to rediscover the full practical significance of chapter 5 of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, dedicated to the ‘universal call to holiness….This…objective gift of holiness is offered to all the baptized”.

"It is necessary…to rediscover the full practical significance of chapter 5 of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, dedicated to the ‘universal call to holiness….This…objective gift of holiness is offered to all the baptized”.

… in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte points to holiness as the cornerstone of the disciple’s life saying:


St. John of the CrossSt. John of the Cross

Here it ought to be pointed out why there are so few who reach this high state of perfect union with God. It should be known that the reason is not because God wishes that there be only a few of these spirits so elevated.; He would rather want all to be perfect, but He finds few vessels that will endure so lofty and sublime a work.”

Here it ought to be pointed out why there are so few who reach this high state of perfect union with God. It should be known that the reason is not because God wishes that there be only a few of these spirits so elevated.; He would rather want all to be perfect, but He finds few vessels that will endure so lofty and sublime a work.”

The Living Flame of Love, st.2, no.27


St. Teresa of AvilaSt. Teresa of Avila

“…the Lord invites us all; and, since He is Truth Itself, we cannot doubt Him … As He said we were all to come, without making this condition, I feel sure that none will fail to receive this living water unless they cannot keep to the path.”

“…the Lord invites us all; and, since He is Truth Itself, we cannot doubt Him … As He said we were all to come, without making this condition, I feel sure that none will fail to receive this living water unless they cannot keep to the path.”

“He did not say: ‘Some must come by this way and others by that’ His mercy is so great that He has forbidden none to strive to come and drink of this fountain of life.”

“He did not say: ‘Some must come by this way and others by that’ His mercy is so great that He has forbidden none to strive to come and drink of this fountain of life.”

(The Way, end of Chapter 19)

(The Way, Chapter 17)

… can an ordinary person like me become HOLY??Two words: Mary & Joseph No miracles No visions Ordinary family struggles

searched for Jesus complied with Mosaic laws fled from tyrrany

Lived in simplicity and poverty Hidden and unknown lives!

Sound like anyone you know???

Yet … we know …

Mary and Joseph attained the pinnacle of prayer and holiness above all human beings…

Mary and Joseph attained the pinnacle of prayer and holiness above all human beings…

In context of marriage & family Amidst a community that probably didn’t

understand or accept them very well In hiddeness & obscurity Their lives were ordinary, even mundane In faith and abandonment to God’s providence

Caussade on Mary …Caussade on Mary …

Necessity of Prayer

Prayer integrates one's life Prayer integrates one's life

"A Christian who does not pray is like a man who neither thinks nor wills--a mere animal in the spiritual life."

"A Christian who does not pray is like a man who neither thinks nor wills--a mere animal in the spiritual life."

Father Eugene Boylan in DIFFICULTIES IN MENTAL PRAYER--preface (pp. x-xi):

"A short time ago I was told by a very learned man that souls without prayer are like people whose bodies or limbs are paralyzed: they possess feet and hands but they cannot control them. In the same way, there are souls so infirm and so accustomed to busying themselves with outside affairs that nothing can be done for them, and it seems as though they are incapable of entering within themselves at all.“

"A short time ago I was told by a very learned man that souls without prayer are like people whose bodies or limbs are paralyzed: they possess feet and hands but they cannot control them. In the same way, there are souls so infirm and so accustomed to busying themselves with outside affairs that nothing can be done for them, and it seems as though they are incapable of entering within themselves at all.“

- St. Teresa of Avila THE INTERIOR CASTLE (First Mansions, chapter 1, p. 31)

Necessity of Prayer

The doctrine of the necessity of the divine grace becomes the doctrine of the necessity of prayer, on which Augustine insists so much, because, as he writes, "it is certain that God has prepared some gifts even for those who do not pray, such as the beginning of faith; but other gifts only for those who pray, such as final perseverance.“ De dono persev. 16,39: PL 45,1017

The doctrine of the necessity of the divine grace becomes the doctrine of the necessity of prayer, on which Augustine insists so much, because, as he writes, "it is certain that God has prepared some gifts even for those who do not pray, such as the beginning of faith; but other gifts only for those who pray, such as final perseverance.“ De dono persev. 16,39: PL 45,1017

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Apostolic Letter of the Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II

August 28, 1986


August 28, 1986

Necessity of Prayer


August 28, 1986


August 28, 1986

"Your desire is itself your prayer; and if your desire is continuous, then your prayer too is continuous.”

"Your desire is itself your prayer; and if your desire is continuous, then your prayer too is continuous.”

Necessity of Prayer

Common to the life of every disciple of Jesus, regardless of his or her individual vocation, is the necessity of prayer and witness. Pope John Paul II in the same Apostolic Letter states: "This training in holiness calls for a Christian life distinguished above all in the art of prayer….Prayer develops that conversation with Christ which makes us his intimate friends….This reciprocity is the very substance and soul of the Christian life…"

Common to the life of every disciple of Jesus, regardless of his or her individual vocation, is the necessity of prayer and witness. Pope John Paul II in the same Apostolic Letter states: "This training in holiness calls for a Christian life distinguished above all in the art of prayer….Prayer develops that conversation with Christ which makes us his intimate friends….This reciprocity is the very substance and soul of the Christian life…"

Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte

Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte

Necessity of Prayer

Let us also reflect on the necessity of prayer. St. Chrysostom says that, as the body without the soul is dead, so the soul is dead without prayer. He also teaches that, as water is necessary to prevent the decay of plants, so prayer is necessary to preserve us from perdition. God wills that all men be saved. (1Tim 2:4)

Let us also reflect on the necessity of prayer. St. Chrysostom says that, as the body without the soul is dead, so the soul is dead without prayer. He also teaches that, as water is necessary to prevent the decay of plants, so prayer is necessary to preserve us from perdition. God wills that all men be saved. (1Tim 2:4)

St. Alphonsus de LigouriSt. Alphonsus de Ligouri

Preparation for Death or "Considerations on the Eternal Truths" by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, Redemptorist Fathers, NY (1926) pp. 304-306.

Necessity of PrayerSt. Alphonsus de LigouriSt. Alphonsus de Ligouri

Ask, and you shall receive. He who asks, receives; then, says St. Teresa, he who does not ask, does not receive. And before her, St. James said the same thing. You have not, because you ask not. (James 4:2) Prayer is particularly necessary to obtain the virtue of continence. And said the wise man, as I knew that I could not otherwise be continent, except God gave it, . . . I went to the Lord, and besought Him. Let us conclude this point. He who prays, is certainly saved; he who does not pray, is certainly lost. All the elect are saved by prayer; all the damned are lost by neglect of prayer, and their greatest despair is, and will be forever, caused by the conviction, that they had it in their power to save their souls so easily by prayer, and that now the time of salvation is no more.

Ask, and you shall receive. He who asks, receives; then, says St. Teresa, he who does not ask, does not receive. And before her, St. James said the same thing. You have not, because you ask not. (James 4:2) Prayer is particularly necessary to obtain the virtue of continence. And said the wise man, as I knew that I could not otherwise be continent, except God gave it, . . . I went to the Lord, and besought Him. Let us conclude this point. He who prays, is certainly saved; he who does not pray, is certainly lost. All the elect are saved by prayer; all the damned are lost by neglect of prayer, and their greatest despair is, and will be forever, caused by the conviction, that they had it in their power to save their souls so easily by prayer, and that now the time of salvation is no more.

Prayer Indispensable for Holiness

Father Eugene Boylan, DIFFICULTIES IN MENTAL PRAYER, the preface (pp. x-xi):

"The pursuit of perfection is utterly impossible without mental prayer --which, of course, may be made quite unconsciously. In fact, it may be said that if a man does not pray he cannot save his soul."

"The pursuit of perfection is utterly impossible without mental prayer --which, of course, may be made quite unconsciously. In fact, it may be said that if a man does not pray he cannot save his soul."

Prayer Indispensable for Holiness

Later in the same preface, he says:

"Nor do we think that even lay-people by their life are debarred for hoping for such progress in prayer as we indicate in this book. Anyone who is prepared to serve God with good-will, and devote sufficient time daily to spiritual reading and to prayer, may reasonably expect to grow in friendship with God, which is, to progress in prayer. The difficulties of the laity in the interior life need more detailed treatment than can be given in this book but they are not insuperable, and need not prevent any lay person of good will from trying to lead an interior life of prayer even in the world" (pp. xi-xii).

"Nor do we think that even lay-people by their life are debarred for hoping for such progress in prayer as we indicate in this book. Anyone who is prepared to serve God with good-will, and devote sufficient time daily to spiritual reading and to prayer, may reasonably expect to grow in friendship with God, which is, to progress in prayer. The difficulties of the laity in the interior life need more detailed treatment than can be given in this book but they are not insuperable, and need not prevent any lay person of good will from trying to lead an interior life of prayer even in the world" (pp. xi-xii).

Hence … we are all called …

To perfectionTo holinessTo love

Prayer and holiness in action is for YOU and ME!Prayer and holiness in action is for YOU and ME!

Wellsprings of Prayer – Presuppositions 2652 to 2662

Word of GodLiturgyTheological Virtues – grace in

the soul“Today” – ‘Sacrament’ of the

Present MomentCONVERSION

Presuppositions for Prayer

“Remote Dispositions for Prayer”: One must believe and trust that an intimate

relationship with God is possible. existence and love of God implied here

One's conscience must be at peace. One must surrender oneself totally to God's

will in one's life. to the extent one does not, one does not

progress One must have a desire to get in touch with

God - often happens with pain or suffering


Let’s elaborate on these dispositions …


Important:When analyzing the life of prayer and how one is disposed…Understand this is not a “linear” pathPrayer disposes our active life and vice-versa

Active life

Prayer life


One must believe and trust that an intimate relationship with God is possible.


Support for this belief and trust:From St. John's Gospel"Anyone who loves me will be true to my word, and my Father will love him; we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him" (Jn. 14:23)From St. John's First Epistle"We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us" (1 Jn 4:16).

I




From St. Teresa of Avila (INTERIOR CASTLE, Mansions One [Image edition, pp. 30-31]):

"where the most secret things pass between God and the soul" (p. 29), St. Teresa says:"I am sure that, if any one of you does not believe this, she will never learn it by experience. For God's will is that no bounds should be set to His works" (pp. 30-31)

I




Existence of God Proofs for God’s existence

Revelation of God to Man So God exists, but has he said

anything to us? Crucifixion Second Person of

Blessed Trinity Redemption God’s merciful love

I


One's conscience must be at peaceOne's conscience must be at peace

Our Source for this disposition is St. Jane Chantal(On Prayer, p. 14):

"Remote preparation consists in nothing more than this: peace of conscience, watchfulness over our senses, a normal awareness of God, a familiar conversation with the Divine Majesty in one's soul, and above all the liberation of the soul from all ungoverned affections and passions. The fact is that we must strip ourselves of anything which can trouble our minds or conscience and which can prevent us from maintaining ourselves in a spirit of recollection and interior liberty."

II


What does this mean?(1) ONE'S CONSCIENCE MUST BE CLEAR:

Authenticity in relationship

(2) IF ONE'S CONSCIENCE IS NOT CLEAR, THEN ONE MUST GET IT CLEAN. HOW? by sorrow, by conversion in one's heart. by reconciliation with God in the Sacrament of Penance.

One then manifests one's sorrow publicly and one is given the assurance that forgiveness is given.

Freedom of spirit, freedom from burdens, then follows.

One's conscience must be at peaceOne's conscience must be at peaceII


"More does God desire of you the least degree of purity of conscience than all the works you can do" (SPIR. MAX.12, p. 220 in Peers, vol. 3).

"More does God desire of you the least degree of purity of conscience than all the works you can do" (SPIR. MAX.12, p. 220 in Peers, vol. 3).

One's conscience must be at peaceOne's conscience must be at peaceII


Total surrender to God’s will in one’s lifeTotal surrender to God’s will in one’s life

"Any one of these imperfections, if the soul has become attached and habituated to it, is of as great harm to its growth and progress in virtue as though it were to fall daily into many other imperfections and casual venial sins.....For as long as it has this there is no possibility that it will make progress in perfection, even though the imperfection be extremely slight”

"Any one of these imperfections, if the soul has become attached and habituated to it, is of as great harm to its growth and progress in virtue as though it were to fall daily into many other imperfections and casual venial sins.....For as long as it has this there is no possibility that it will make progress in perfection, even though the imperfection be extremely slight”

Our Source for this disposition is St. John of the Cross:

(ASCENT OF MOUNT CARMEL, Book 1, chap. xi, no. 4.[p. 145 in Image edition]):

III

Chains of St. Peter



"For it comes to the same thing whether a bird be held by a slender cord or by a stout one; since, even if it be slender, the bird will be well held as though it were stout, for so long as it breaks it not and flies not away. It is true that the slender one is the easier to break; still, easy though it be, the bird will not fly away if it be not broken. And thus the soul that has attachment to anything, however much virtue it possess, will not attain to the liberty of Divine union."

"For it comes to the same thing whether a bird be held by a slender cord or by a stout one; since, even if it be slender, the bird will be well held as though it were stout, for so long as it breaks it not and flies not away. It is true that the slender one is the easier to break; still, easy though it be, the bird will not fly away if it be not broken. And thus the soul that has attachment to anything, however much virtue it possess, will not attain to the liberty of Divine union."

… then he makes an analogy which is often cited:

(ASCENT OF MOUNT CARMEL, Book I, chapter xi, no. 4, pp. 145-146 in Image edition)

III


St. Matthew (19:29):"Moreover, everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for my sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life.“

St. John (12:24-25): DEATH TO SELF … "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

…Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (Mt 10:39)

St. Matthew (19:29):"Moreover, everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for my sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life.“

St. John (12:24-25): DEATH TO SELF … "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

…Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (Mt 10:39)

Total surrender to God’s will in one’s lifeTotal surrender to God’s will in one’s lifeIII


What does this mean?

To surrender ourselves to God by a total abandonment of self, and to lose ourselves in the abyss of our nothingness so as to find ourselves again only in God, is to perform the most excellent act of which we are capable, and which contains in itself the substance of all the other virtues. This is the one thing necessary which our Lord recommends in His Gospel. - Abandonment p. 440

To surrender ourselves to God by a total abandonment of self, and to lose ourselves in the abyss of our nothingness so as to find ourselves again only in God, is to perform the most excellent act of which we are capable, and which contains in itself the substance of all the other virtues. This is the one thing necessary which our Lord recommends in His Gospel. - Abandonment p. 440


The more we banish from ourselves all that is not God, the more we shall be filled with God… the practice of perfect self-annihilation consists in having no other care but to die wholly to self in order to make room for God to live and work in us. - Ibid p. 440

The more we banish from ourselves all that is not God, the more we shall be filled with God… the practice of perfect self-annihilation consists in having no other care but to die wholly to self in order to make room for God to live and work in us. - Ibid p. 440

III


What does this mean?

2611 The prayer of faith consists not only in saying "Lord, Lord," but in disposing the heart to do the will of the Father.

Jesus calls his disciples to bring into their prayer this concern for cooperating with the divine plan.

2611 The prayer of faith consists not only in saying "Lord, Lord," but in disposing the heart to do the will of the Father.

Jesus calls his disciples to bring into their prayer this concern for cooperating with the divine plan.

Total surrender to God’s will in one’s lifeTotal surrender to God’s will in one’s lifeIII


The desire to get in touch with GodThe desire to get in touch with God

Our Source for this disposition is Father Hubert Van Zeller, a contemporary spiritual writer--now dead. He says in a book entitled Approach to Prayer :

"While there are many dispositions for prayer, the one condition of prayer is the desire to get in touch with God" (p. 1)

"While there are many dispositions for prayer, the one condition of prayer is the desire to get in touch with God" (p. 1)

IV



There is a consolation in this whole scenario. It is this: God wants that communication more than we do!

St. John of the Cross says:

"First, it must be known that, if a soul is seeking God, its Beloved is seeking it much more." (Living Flame of Love, stanza 3, no. 27, p. 66 in Vol. 3 of Peers complete works).

"First, it must be known that, if a soul is seeking God, its Beloved is seeking it much more." (Living Flame of Love, stanza 3, no. 27, p. 66 in Vol. 3 of Peers complete works).

IV



This desire often intensifies as we undergo trials and sufferings

Anything that causes questioning … “why?”

Surrender / Abandonment come when one finds no consolation or help in self or the world

IV

What Prayer is NOT …

Associated with feeling or mere “thinking”… Concomitant with extraordinary phenomena

levitation, visions, ecstasy, etc.

What is Prayer?

What we do in church, or before meals or when we need something…?

Formulas we speak to God? Something clergy does? Feelings, emotions …

St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church:

“Mental prayer, in my view, is nothing but friendly intercourse, and frequent solitary converse, with Him Who we know loves us.” Life, viii; Peers, I, 50

“Mental prayer, in my view, is nothing but friendly intercourse, and frequent solitary converse, with Him Who we know loves us.” Life, viii; Peers, I, 50

… Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes Teresa, above in its definition of contemplative prayer…

What is Prayer - Definitions

Broad Sense:

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God…”

St. John Damascene, De fide orth. 3, 24:PG 94, 1089C

“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God…”

St. John Damascene, De fide orth. 3, 24:PG 94, 1089C

"It is not easy to give a brief, satisfactory definition of prayer. The verb `to pray' means literally to ask for something--and yet prayer is much more than just asking God for something. Any definition of prayer must show that it is more than an activity of the intellect. A person's will, affections, and activities are all to be lifted up to God, bringing about an intimate personal relationship with Him.“

Rev. Ronald Lawler – The Teaching of Christ

"It is not easy to give a brief, satisfactory definition of prayer. The verb `to pray' means literally to ask for something--and yet prayer is much more than just asking God for something. Any definition of prayer must show that it is more than an activity of the intellect. A person's will, affections, and activities are all to be lifted up to God, bringing about an intimate personal relationship with Him.“

Rev. Ronald Lawler – The Teaching of Christ

What is Prayer – Narrow Sense (2626 to 2643) Adoration: Which is essentially a gaze at the wonderfulness

of God, his majesty, his transcendence, his goodness, etc. Thanksgiving: Which is essentially a manifestation of

gratitude to God for what he has given to us and to others, the world, grace, his Son, our life, faith, grace, etc.

Contrition: Which is essentially an expression of sorrow for our sins and transgressions. Implied therein is a request for God's forgiveness and mercy (e.g. Psalm 50, the Miserere).

Petition: Which is essentially a begging for help. This, as mentioned, is the precise theological meaning of prayer, pleading to God for his help, grace and sustenance.

2628,29

2637

2631

2629

Two Kinds of Prayer

Vocal PrayerVocal Prayer

Mental PrayerMental Prayer

Types of Prayer

Vocal – Pater Noster Meditation – Rosary, Stations of the Cross Contemplative – yearning, gazing,

pondering, loving … mostly wordless …

Catechism sets out these expressions of prayer at 2700 - 2724

Catechism sets out these expressions of prayer at 2700 - 2724

Types of Prayer

VocalVocal

“In case you should think there is little gain to be derived from practicing vocal prayer perfectly, I must tell you that, while you are repeating the Pater Noster or some other vocal prayer, it is quite possible for the Lord to grant you perfect contemplation.”

St. Teresa of Avila - The Way of Pefection, xxv; 104

The saint wants liturgical prayer, like every other vocal prayer, to be vivified by interior prayer. - P.Marie-Eugene, I Want To See God p.191

Types of Prayer

MeditationMeditation

“Meditation consists in making reflections or considerations on a subject chosen in advance, to arrive at a fruitful conviction or resolution.”- P.Marie-Eugene, IWTSG, p. 194

“Meditation consists in making reflections or considerations on a subject chosen in advance, to arrive at a fruitful conviction or resolution.”- P.Marie-Eugene, IWTSG, p. 194

“I only want you to be warned that, if you would progress a long way on this road and ascend to the Mansions of your desire, the important thing is not to think much, but to love much.” - St. Teresa, IV Mansions, i

“I only want you to be warned that, if you would progress a long way on this road and ascend to the Mansions of your desire, the important thing is not to think much, but to love much.” - St. Teresa, IV Mansions, i

Types of Prayer

ContemplationContemplation CCC 2709 - 2724

“Contemplative prayer [oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.”

St. Teresa of Avila – CCC 2709

“Contemplative prayer [oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.”

St. Teresa of Avila – CCC 2709

The Catechism leads with St. Teresa’s description:

Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus. “I look at Him and he looks at me”. - CCC 2715

Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus. “I look at Him and he looks at me”. - CCC 2715

Types of Prayer

Mental Mental

There is no question of reserving the term ‘contemplation’ to the supernatural or infused contemplation of which St. Teresa speaks, beginning with the Fourth Mansions. Any act of knowledge and simple gaze on truth under the influence of love is genuine contemplation.

Rev. P.Marie-Eugene, I Want to See God p.459

There is no question of reserving the term ‘contemplation’ to the supernatural or infused contemplation of which St. Teresa speaks, beginning with the Fourth Mansions. Any act of knowledge and simple gaze on truth under the influence of love is genuine contemplation.

Rev. P.Marie-Eugene, I Want to See God p.459

Types of Prayer

Mental Mental

"By mental prayer we here understand that form of prayer in which one endeavors to originate the thought in one's own mind, and so to get the will to move in some way toward God. In practice, it makes no difference to the existence of `mental' prayer whether this interior action manifests itself in external words or not; if the prayer originates interiorly, it is for practical purposes mental prayer."

Boylan, The Spiritual Life of the Priest, p. 24

"By mental prayer we here understand that form of prayer in which one endeavors to originate the thought in one's own mind, and so to get the will to move in some way toward God. In practice, it makes no difference to the existence of `mental' prayer whether this interior action manifests itself in external words or not; if the prayer originates interiorly, it is for practical purposes mental prayer."

Boylan, The Spiritual Life of the Priest, p. 24

Types of Prayer

Mental Mental

Two Basic Aspects:

• Intellectual (Faith phase) – mind or imagination is considering something

• Volitional (Charity phase) – the will makes acts of love

• Prayer must include these acts of the will, otherwise we are a ‘clanging symbol’ as noted earlier – remember, prayer is not necessarily ‘felt’

Types of Prayer

Mental Mental

Mental prayer paves the way for contemplation (viz. supernatural or infused prayer)

Mental prayer is often used in connection with the gift of infused prayer or contemplation.

So right now, we’re talking about mental prayer as disposing oneself for contemplation (infused prayer)

Jesus and Prayer 2598 to 2616

2598 The drama of prayer is fully revealed to us in the Word who became flesh and dwells among us.

2599 Filial prayer of Jesus to His Father

Jesus and Prayer2598 to 2616

Perfect PrayerPerfect Prayer

Jesus is our model for all things, including prayer – one person, two natures

Jesus prayed in silence, alone, usually at night on a mountain

Jesus prayed before important events Our Father, the answer to: “Lord, teach us to

pray”

Jesus and Prayer

Where and When ?Where and When ?

Rising early the next morning, he went off to a lonely place in the desert; there he was absorbed in prayer …

Mk 1:35

Rising early the next morning, he went off to a lonely place in the desert; there he was absorbed in prayer …

Mk 1:35

He often retired to deserted places and prayed.Lk 5:16

He often retired to deserted places and prayed.Lk 5:16

Cf. 2602

Jesus and Prayer

Important EventsImportant Events

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, then returned from the Jordan and was conducted by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil. During that time he ate nothing… Lk 4:1-2

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, then returned from the Jordan and was conducted by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil. During that time he ate nothing… Lk 4:1-2

Jesus and Prayer

Important EventsImportant Events

Before Father’s witness to him in baptism and transfiguration

Before his ministry begins – 40 days Before selecting the Twelve Before raising Lazarus Last Supper before offering himself Agony in the Garden of Olives From the Cross of crucifixion

2600-2605

Jesus and Prayer

From the Sermon on the Mount onwards, Jesus insists on conversion of heart … once committed to conversion, the heart learns to pray in faith… 2608

From the Sermon on the Mount onwards, Jesus insists on conversion of heart … once committed to conversion, the heart learns to pray in faith… 2608

Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will”

2610 Mk 11:24

Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will”

2610 Mk 11:24

Three principal parables on prayer in St. Luke’s Gospel: 2613

Three principal parables on prayer in St. Luke’s Gospel: 2613

Jesus and Prayer

Lord’s Prayer is summary of the whole Gospel

Our Father … the perfect prayerOur Father … the perfect prayer

CCC 2759 - 2855

Jesus was praying at a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples…”

Lk 11:1

Jesus was praying at a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples…”

Lk 11:1Cf. 2601

Jesus and Prayer

Lord’s PrayerLord’s Prayer

Run through all the words of the holy prayers [in Scripture] and I do not think that you will find anything in them that is not contained and included in the Lord’s Prayer…

Run through all the words of the holy prayers [in Scripture] and I do not think that you will find anything in them that is not contained and included in the Lord’s Prayer…

St. Thomas Aquinas

Jesus and Prayer

Lord’s PrayerLord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is the most perfect of prayers … in it we ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be desired. This prayer not only teaches us to ask for things, but also in what order we should desire them.

The Lord’s Prayer is the most perfect of prayers … in it we ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be desired. This prayer not only teaches us to ask for things, but also in what order we should desire them.

St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church

CCC 2763

Mary’s Prayer 2617 to 2619

"Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." "Fiat ".

Mary intercedes for us – Cana “He has looked with favor on his lowly servant”

Tonight

Ways and Guides of Prayer The Way of Prayer 2663 - 2682 Guides to Prayer 2683 – 2696 The Three Ages of the Interior Life (Stages of

Prayer) Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive Way

St. Teresa of Avila - Mansions St. John of the Cross – Dark Night St. Therese – Little Way of Spiritual Childhood Abandonment to Divine Providence

‘Method’ and Prayer

Two modes of operation at prayer:Two modes of operation at prayer:

With method Without method


But first, two comments:But first, two comments:

"What we do in prayer must be determined according to our attraction, whether it be by meditation or by a simple gazing upon God, according as He may lead us"

St. Jane DeChantal, Prayer, p. 19. See also p. 59

"What we do in prayer must be determined according to our attraction, whether it be by meditation or by a simple gazing upon God, according as He may lead us"

St. Jane DeChantal, Prayer, p. 19. See also p. 59

1. What we do at prayer is determined according to our attraction. Actually it is grace which is moving us to pray in a certain fashion. This sounds as if prayer is determined by whim or that prayer has no objective base, but is determined by one's relative or subjective state. Experience and direction will correct this abuse if it is found. - Lepak


"If during vocal prayer you feel your heart drawn and invited to mental prayer, do not refuse to take it up. Let your mind turn gently that way, without being concerned at not finishing the vocal prayers you intended to say. The choice you have made is more pleasing to God and more profitable to your soul. I except the Divine Office, if you are obliged to say it. In that case you must fulfill your obligation.“St. Francis De Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life (2nd Part, chapter I, no. 8; p. 79 in Image edition)

"If during vocal prayer you feel your heart drawn and invited to mental prayer, do not refuse to take it up. Let your mind turn gently that way, without being concerned at not finishing the vocal prayers you intended to say. The choice you have made is more pleasing to God and more profitable to your soul. I except the Divine Office, if you are obliged to say it. In that case you must fulfill your obligation.“St. Francis De Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life (2nd Part, chapter I, no. 8; p. 79 in Image edition)


"There are books and books of `methodized' prayer, which are of great help to some, but to others only a hindrance, for prayer is an individual thing, and methods purely means toward an end. All we have to say about the choice is, that if one must err, err on the side of simplicity. We go to prayer to pray--to talk to God. The first step then is to make contact with Him" Also: "Let us say that each one should use just as much or just as little method as he finds helpful" p. 27 Father Eugene Boylan (The Spiritual Life of the Priest)

"There are books and books of `methodized' prayer, which are of great help to some, but to others only a hindrance, for prayer is an individual thing, and methods purely means toward an end. All we have to say about the choice is, that if one must err, err on the side of simplicity. We go to prayer to pray--to talk to God. The first step then is to make contact with Him" Also: "Let us say that each one should use just as much or just as little method as he finds helpful" p. 27 Father Eugene Boylan (The Spiritual Life of the Priest)

Let the Holy Spirit dictate your prayer. Use as little method as possible.

Second comment Second comment


"The great method for mental prayer is simply this: that there is none when the Holy Spirit has taken charge of the person who is meditating, for then He does with the soul as it pleases Him, and all rules and methods vanish away." St. Chantal on Prayer, p.16

She also says that the person should then become :1) like clay in the hands of a potter2) like wax receptive to an impression of a seal3) like a blank sheet upon which the Holy Spirit writes his will.

"The great method for mental prayer is simply this: that there is none when the Holy Spirit has taken charge of the person who is meditating, for then He does with the soul as it pleases Him, and all rules and methods vanish away." St. Chantal on Prayer, p.16

She also says that the person should then become :1) like clay in the hands of a potter2) like wax receptive to an impression of a seal3) like a blank sheet upon which the Holy Spirit writes his will.

God takes the initiative … cooperate with Him !

Prayer Without MethodPrayer Without Method

Growth in the Spiritual Life

Genuinely simple and pure Christian souls have always been acquainted with completely spontaneous and intimate prayer. “I look at the Lord and he looks at me”

Lagrange says to keep methods simple, at best – it is a means to an end (p. 445 3 Ages)

Notes prayer depends principally on Grace of God …

A person prepares for [prayer] far less by processes thant would remain mechanical … than by HUMILITY: “God giveth grace to the humble” Jas. 4:16

A person prepares for [prayer] far less by processes thant would remain mechanical … than by HUMILITY: “God giveth grace to the humble” Jas. 4:16


My gloss: The real “method” is disposing oneself for prayer by imitating Christ.

Confession Mass Ordering/Mortification of Passions Spiritual Reading Corporal/Spiritual Works of Mercy Living the Beatitudes

Active life

Prayer life

The Way of Prayer 2663 to 2679

Prayer to the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit To Jesus, through Mary, perfect models of

faith and prayer

Guides for Prayer 2683 to 2691

“Cloud of Witnesses” 2684 In the communion of saints, many and

varied spiritualities have been developed throughout the history of the churches…

Tonight … we will take the three great Carmelite Doctors as our “witnesses”…

Purgative, Illuminative, Unitive Way

Saints and Theologians throughout the ages have referred to growth in the spiritual life as comprised of “3 Ages” as Garrigou-Lagrange sets out…

Saints and Theologians throughout the ages have referred to growth in the spiritual life as comprised of “3 Ages” as Garrigou-Lagrange sets out…


Rev. Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

Mental Prayer


Purgative WayPurgative Way Illuminative WayIlluminative Way Unitive WayUnitive Way

Dar

k N

ight

of

the

Sen

ses

Dar

k N

ight

of

the

Spi

rit

Beginners Proficients “Perfect”

Infused Contemplation

Discursive prayer Inspired prayer Inspired prayer

Teresian Mansions

IV, V VI, VIII, II, III

Meditation

Degrees of Charity

Virtues Gifts Purifications Prayers Teresa’s Mansion

Beginners

(Purgative Way)

Ascetical Life

Initial virtues, first degree of charity, temperance, chastity, patience, first degress of humility

Gifts of the Holy Ghost rather latent, inspirations at rare intervals, slight aptitude as yet to profit by them. The soul is especially conscious of its activity

Active purification of the senses and of the spirit, or exterior and interior mortification

Acquired prayer: vocal prayer, discursive prayer affective prayer, which becomes more and more simple, called the prayer of active recollection.

First and Second

Mansion

Proficients

(Illuminative Way)

Threshold of Mystical Life

Solid virtues, second degree of charity, obedience, more profound humility, spirit of the counsels

The gifts of the Holy Ghost begin to manifest themselves, especially the tree inferior gifts of fear, knowledge and piety. The soul, more docile now, profits more from inspirations and interior illuminations.

Passive purification of the senses, under the influence especially of the gifts of fear and knowledge. Concomitant trials. Entrance into the illuminative way.

Initial infused prayer, isolated acts of infused contemplation in the course of the acquired prayer of recollection; then, prayers of supernatural recollection and of arid or consoled quiet. The gift of piety

Third and Fourth Mansion

The Perfect

(Unitive Way)

Mystical Life

Eminent and heroic virtues, third degree of charity, perfect humility, great spirit of faith, abandonment, almost unalterable patience.

The higher gifts manifest themselves more notably and frequently. The soul is dominated by the Holy Ghost. Great passivity in His regard, which does not exclude the activity of the virtues.

Purification of the spirit under the influence especially of the gift of understanding. Concomitant trials in which are manifested the gifts of fortitude and counsel. Entrance into the perfect unitive way

Infused prayers of simple union, of complete union (sometimes ecstatic) of transforming union , under the more and more marked influence of the gift of wisdom. Concomitant favors.

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Mansion

Dark Night of the Senses

Dark Night of the Spirit


Genuinely simple and pure Christian souls have always been acquainted with completely spontaneous and intimate prayer. “I look at the Lord and he looks at me”

Lagrange says to keep methods simple, at best – it is a means to an end (3A Vol I, p. 445)

Notes prayer depends principally on Grace of God …

A person prepares for [prayer] far less by processes that would remain mechanical … than by HUMILITY: “God giveth grace to the humble” Jas. 4:6; 3A Vol. 1, p. 446

A person prepares for [prayer] far less by processes that would remain mechanical … than by HUMILITY: “God giveth grace to the humble” Jas. 4:6; 3A Vol. 1, p. 446


Preparation for growth in prayer … Preparation for growth in prayer …

Prayer must be prepared for by an act of HUMILITY and proceed from the three theological virtues … the generous soul FLIES, so to speak, like a bird by the effort of its wings, but the breath of the Holy Spirit sustains this effort and rather often bears the soul farther aloft than it could go by its own virtues. 3A p. 448

Prayer must be prepared for by an act of HUMILITY and proceed from the three theological virtues … the generous soul FLIES, so to speak, like a bird by the effort of its wings, but the breath of the Holy Spirit sustains this effort and rather often bears the soul farther aloft than it could go by its own virtues. 3A p. 448

Entry into the Dark Night of the Soul (senses)

Second Conversion … Second Conversion … Two conversions ordinarily occur in the majority of the saints and in religious who become perfect; one, by which they devote themselves to the service of God; the other, by which they give themselves entirely to perfection. Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p. 23 quoting Rev. Lallemant

Two conversions ordinarily occur in the majority of the saints and in religious who become perfect; one, by which they devote themselves to the service of God; the other, by which they give themselves entirely to perfection. Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p. 23 quoting Rev. Lallemant


Second Conversion … Second Conversion …

Under the pretext of prudence, they begin to consider the little aspects of great things and to see less and less the great aspect of the daily duties of Christian life and the value of fidelity in little things. Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p.27

Under the pretext of prudence, they begin to consider the little aspects of great things and to see less and less the great aspect of the daily duties of Christian life and the value of fidelity in little things. Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p.27

Why is it necessary? Christ commanded it – “Be

perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matt. 5:48

Roots of sin are still firmly implanted

Inattentiveness to venial sins

Humility very important



The true means of acquiring the science of the saints… is to have recourse not so much to books as to interior humility, purity of heart, recollection, and prayer… when a soul has attained to entire purity of heart, God Himself instructs it …

Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p.28

The true means of acquiring the science of the saints… is to have recourse not so much to books as to interior humility, purity of heart, recollection, and prayer… when a soul has attained to entire purity of heart, God Himself instructs it …


What are its fruits?

An interior man will make more impression on hearts by a single word that is animated by the spirit of God than another by an entire discourse … thus intimate conversation with God, which is the basis of the interior life, will gradually take the place of conversation with ourselves.


An interior man will make more impression on hearts by a single word that is animated by the spirit of God than another by an entire discourse … thus intimate conversation with God, which is the basis of the interior life, will gradually take the place of conversation with ourselves.




What have the saints said of it? St. Catherine of Sienna:

… these weak ones … relax their energy, impatiently turning backwards, and sometimes abandon, under color of virtue, many of their exercises, saying to themselves: This labor does not profit me. All this they do because they feel themselves deprived of mental consolation. Such a soul acts imperfectly, for she has not yet unwound the bandage of spiritual self-love, for had she unwound it, she would see that, in truth, everything proceeds from Me that no leaf of a tree falls to the ground without My providence … Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p.31 (quoting The Dialogue)

… these weak ones … relax their energy, impatiently turning backwards, and sometimes abandon, under color of virtue, many of their exercises, saying to themselves: This labor does not profit me. All this they do because they feel themselves deprived of mental consolation. Such a soul acts imperfectly, for she has not yet unwound the bandage of spiritual self-love, for had she unwound it, she would see that, in truth, everything proceeds from Me that no leaf of a tree falls to the ground without My providence … Lagrange, 3A, v.2, p.31 (quoting The Dialogue)



What have the saints said of it? St. Peter’s denial and subsequent

conversion Wept bitterly Prayed Holy Spirit came He then imitated Christ to the

Cross

The imperfect soul which loves the Lord with a love that is still mercenary, ought to follow Peter’s example after his denial of Christ.


The imperfect soul which loves the Lord with a love that is still mercenary, ought to follow Peter’s example after his denial of Christ.


1st Mansions

No manifestation Avoids mortal sin

2nd Mansions

Sensible consolations and aridities.

Applies itself to prayer, to recollection , to the correction of faults … sustained by sp reading, direction (meditation)

3rd Mansions

Facility in recollection. In a well organized life of piety, it carefully avoids sin, and practices the prayer of simplicity.

4th Mansions

Interior presence of God manifested by a blinding light (Night) by a sweet captivation (passive recollection, quiet)

Respects action of God in prayer; peace, silence, moderated activity. Energetic asceticism to destroy spiritual capital sins.

5th Mansions

Habitual captivation of the will, sometimes after mystical grace of union.

Fidelity to the Law; obedience.

6th Mansions

God purifies and enriches by His touches in the soul

Surrender and silent patience. Poverty and hope.

7th Mansions

Divine conquest completed; utilization for the Church.

Perfect chastity and charity. In the service of the Church.

Action of God Activity of SoulF

irst

Pha

seG

od in

terv

enes

with

ge

ner

al h

elp.

Firs

t P

hase

God

inte

rven

es w

ith

gen

eral

hel

p.

Sec

ond

Pha

seG

od in

terv

enes

with

pa

rtic

ular

he

lp.

Sec

ond

Pha

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with

pa

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he

lp.

Teresian Mansions

First Three mansions Teresa says little about the first 3

mansions Discursive meditation and vocal prayers Soul trying to emerge from several petty

faults Perform good works … BUT …

Still absorbed in worldly matters … “still puffed up with worldly honors and

ambitions” Here, “the important thing is not to think

much, but to love much”… IC 4, Ch.1, p.76

II

“Because they are free from serious sin the King does dwell in their castle, but they have only a tenuous relationship with Him, and they scarcely see his light, so submerged are they in things of this world”

IC mans 1, Ch. 2 pp 40-1; Fire Within, Dubay pp. 82-3

“Because they are free from serious sin the King does dwell in their castle, but they have only a tenuous relationship with Him, and they scarcely see his light, so submerged are they in things of this world”

IC mans 1, Ch. 2 pp 40-1; Fire Within, Dubay pp. 82-3

Teresian Mansions

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit.

Lk 8:14

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit.

Lk 8:14

First Three mansions (cont’d)

II

Teresian Mansions Second Mansions

A battleground where the conflict between the world and the divine call is being waged … there is a tug of war

The virtues are “young” … and “have not yet learned to walk”

Must be generous, willed welcome to hardships and dryness in prayer

IIII

“First Water”: Pulling water from the well bucket … by bucket…

Teresian Mansions

Third Mansions Teresa curiously notes that

there are “many such souls in the world” (viz. lay folks) that reach this stage.

Careful not to offend God Ordinarily, people spend a

long time in this mansion Discursive prayer still

occurring in this mansion, but more “affective” and “simplified” prayer – mental prayer emerging (lapsing in and out)

IIIIII

Teresian Mansions IIIIII

“They avoid committing even venial sins; they love doing penance; they spend hours in recollection; they use their time well; they practice works of charity toward their neighbors; they are very careful in their speech and dress and in the government of their household … “

IC Mans 3, Ch. 1, p. 59

“They avoid committing even venial sins; they love doing penance; they spend hours in recollection; they use their time well; they practice works of charity toward their neighbors; they are very careful in their speech and dress and in the government of their household … “

IC Mans 3, Ch. 1, p. 59

Third Mansions

Suggests focusing on indwelling presence of God here

A good test as to where you are?

Teresian Mansions

DARK NIGHT of SENSES Active Passive

IVIV

More on this later…

Teresian Mansions IVIV

Fourth Mansions Teresa expounds deeply on this and subsequent

mansions (30/70 rule) Beginning of infused contemplation

Mingling of human and divine modes of prayer Transition between the two is a snagging point

No images, no ideas, no concepts, no visions Loving attention; dry desire; strong thirsting or yearning…

Not the result of reasoning or reading They are given … infusion is serene purifying Can be delicate or as one advanced in this mansion

… burning, powerful, prolonged TRANSFORMATIVE of the person – gradually, usually


Fourth Mansions Distinguishes ‘discursive’ meditation from this

‘infused’ prayer Teresa calls this the ‘suspension of the

faculties’ God takes the initiative, taking over the will,

intellect and imagination

The intellect ceases to work because God suspends it, as I shall explain afterwards if I know how … He Himself gives it that which holds its attention and makes it marvel; and without reflection it understands more in the space of a creed than we can understand with all our earthly diligence in many years. Trying to keep the soul’s faculties busy and thinking you can make them be quiet is foolish.

Life, Ch. 12, No. 5, p 87

The intellect ceases to work because God suspends it, as I shall explain afterwards if I know how … He Himself gives it that which holds its attention and makes it marvel; and without reflection it understands more in the space of a creed than we can understand with all our earthly diligence in many years. Trying to keep the soul’s faculties busy and thinking you can make them be quiet is foolish.

Life, Ch. 12, No. 5, p 87


Fourth Mansions This is a divine absorption in

knowing and loving and seeking Distinguishes two kinds of

infused prayer: Initial “recollection” – infused

and gentle awareness given by God; sense begin to lose their hold upon the person; “with a call so gentle that even they can hardly recognize it” FW, Dubay, p. 87

Prayer of Quiet … “Second Water”:Transporting water via “numerous conduits”


Fourth Mansions

Prayer of QuietPrayer of Quiet

The soul is so satisfied with God that as long as the recollection lasts the quiet and calm are not lost since the will is united with God even through the two faculties are distracted; in fact, little by little the will brings the intellect and the memory back to recollection. Even though the will may not be totally absorbed, it is so well occupied, without knowing how, that no matter what efforts the other two faculties make, they cannot take away its contentment and joy.

Life, Ch. 15, No. 1, p. 102; FW, Dubay, p.88

The soul is so satisfied with God that as long as the recollection lasts the quiet and calm are not lost since the will is united with God even through the two faculties are distracted; in fact, little by little the will brings the intellect and the memory back to recollection. Even though the will may not be totally absorbed, it is so well occupied, without knowing how, that no matter what efforts the other two faculties make, they cannot take away its contentment and joy.

Life, Ch. 15, No. 1, p. 102; FW, Dubay, p.88

Teresian Mansions

IVIV

Fourth Mansions


Avoid placing obstacles – learn receptivity Infused contemplation cannot be acquired Habitual practice of prayer necessary!

This prayer is a little spark fo the Lord’s true love which he begins to enkindle in our soul … it is impossible NOT to understand soon that this little spark cannot be acquired. Life, Ch. 15, No. 4, p. 103

This prayer is a little spark fo the Lord’s true love which he begins to enkindle in our soul … it is impossible NOT to understand soon that this little spark cannot be acquired. Life, Ch. 15, No. 4, p. 103


Fourth Mansions


However, all activity of mind and will ought not cease, unless God causes it …

Distractions occur here, as the infusion is faint and fragile … St. Teresa notes the mind is as wild as a madman, “wandering off after the most ridiculous things in the world”.

The most one should do is occasionally, and quite simply to utter a single word, like a person giving a little puff to a candle, when he sees it

has almost gone out, so as to make it burn again Way, Ch. 31, p. 204

The most one should do is occasionally, and quite simply to utter a single word, like a person giving a little puff to a candle, when he sees it

has almost gone out, so as to make it burn again Way, Ch. 31, p. 204

Moving from Meditation to Contemplation …Active Recollection

“Remember how important it is for you to have understood this truth -- that the Lord is within us and that we should be there with Him.”

“Remember how important it is for you to have understood this truth -- that the Lord is within us and that we should be there with Him.”

“It is called recollection because the soul collects together all the faculties (i.e. the will, the memory, and the understanding) and enters within itself to be with its God. Its Divine Master comes more speedily to teach it, and to grant it the Prayer of Quiet, than in any other way... “

“It is called recollection because the soul collects together all the faculties (i.e. the will, the memory, and the understanding) and enters within itself to be with its God. Its Divine Master comes more speedily to teach it, and to grant it the Prayer of Quiet, than in any other way... “

Way of Perfection, xxviii

Moving from Meditation to Contemplation …

Active Recollection

“Those who are able to shut themselves up in this way within this little Heaven of the soul, wherein dwells the Maker of Heaven and earth, and who have formed the habit of looking at nothing and staying in no place which will distract these outward senses, may be sure that they are walking on an excellent road.”

“Those who are able to shut themselves up in this way within this little Heaven of the soul, wherein dwells the Maker of Heaven and earth, and who have formed the habit of looking at nothing and staying in no place which will distract these outward senses, may be sure that they are walking on an excellent road.”

Way of Perfection, xxviii

Moving from Meditation to Contemplation …Active Recollection

“… you must understand that this is not a supernatural state but depends upon our volition, and that, by God's favour, we can enter it of our own accord... For this is not a silence of the faculties: it is a shutting-up of the faculties within itself by the soul. ...We must cast aside everything else, they say, in order to approach God inwardly and we must retire within ourselves even during our ordinary occupations.”

“… you must understand that this is not a supernatural state but depends upon our volition, and that, by God's favour, we can enter it of our own accord... For this is not a silence of the faculties: it is a shutting-up of the faculties within itself by the soul. ...We must cast aside everything else, they say, in order to approach God inwardly and we must retire within ourselves even during our ordinary occupations.”

Way of Perfection, xxix

Active Recollection

This is not a supernatural or mystical prayer. It's just plain work. Time and again the individual becomes distracted and falls away from his prayer.

But whenever he realizes that he has let his mind drift, he brings it back to God once again. The work comes to an end (temporarily at least) when God bestows contemplation.

This is not a supernatural or mystical prayer. It's just plain work. Time and again the individual becomes distracted and falls away from his prayer.

But whenever he realizes that he has let his mind drift, he brings it back to God once again. The work comes to an end (temporarily at least) when God bestows contemplation.

Fr. Roy Lepak, S.T.D.

The soul must put forth energetic effort…

Moving from Meditation to Contemplation …

Teresian Mansions VV

Fifth Mansions GROWTH! Full union – prayer of union Distractions STOP Short in duration – never more than half an hour –

but makes up via intensity and certitude of God’ presence – viz. indwelling

People who receive this remember the day and the hour it happened years later

No longer satisfied with worldly pleasures, as they are incomparable to this joy and experience

Teresian Mansions VV

Fifth Mansions Soul absorbed in deep delight Distinguished from “Rapture”, which is felt

exteriorly as well as interiorly … and lasts longer

The faculties are almost totally united with God to be occupied completely with God … the consolation, sweetness, delight are incomparably greater than that experienced in the previous prayer … this prayer is glorious foolishness, a heavenly madness”

IC, Mans 5, Ch. 1, p.99; Life, Ch 16, No 2-3, p.109

The faculties are almost totally united with God to be occupied completely with God … the consolation, sweetness, delight are incomparably greater than that experienced in the previous prayer … this prayer is glorious foolishness, a heavenly madness”

IC, Mans 5, Ch. 1, p.99; Life, Ch 16, No 2-3, p.109

Teresian Mansions VIVI

Sixth Mansions Are we there yet? No! Different advanced experiences of

God in mansion VI: Ecstasy Rapture Transport Spiritual betrothal Levitation (yes, I said “levitation”)

Note: we are in the normal progression of deepening communion with the Trinity; not “extraordinary” … though uncommon because of people’s lack of generosity to God.

Note: we are in the normal progression of deepening communion with the Trinity; not “extraordinary” … though uncommon because of people’s lack of generosity to God.

Fourth Water: rain


Sixth Mansions (cont’d) Resistance is futile ! Can occur very often …

“The soul really seems to have left the body. he feels as if he has been in another world … and has been shown a fresh light there, so much unlike any to be found in this life that, if he had been imagining it … all his life long, it would have been impossible for him to obtain any idea of them … great things are revealed …” IC, Mans. 6, Ch 5, pp. 160-1

“The soul really seems to have left the body. he feels as if he has been in another world … and has been shown a fresh light there, so much unlike any to be found in this life that, if he had been imagining it … all his life long, it would have been impossible for him to obtain any idea of them … great things are revealed …” IC, Mans. 6, Ch 5, pp. 160-1

Read various passages from Dubay, p. 97 et seq.

St. Joseph of Cupertino“The flying monk”


Sixth Mansions (cont’d) Dryness and emptiness can still

occur Called a ‘sober inebriation’ by saints Surprisingly, as one advances

beyond this, raptures cease!

“… the person continues to advance in God-centeredness and in living the specifics of the Gospel message … one’s will is left “completely absorbed” and one’s mind can be entirely transported for a day or even for several days … there are no attachments to anything created, no pleasure seeking in worldly things.” Dubay, FW, p. 102

“… the person continues to advance in God-centeredness and in living the specifics of the Gospel message … one’s will is left “completely absorbed” and one’s mind can be entirely transported for a day or even for several days … there are no attachments to anything created, no pleasure seeking in worldly things.” Dubay, FW, p. 102

Read Dubay, FW, p. 103 quote …

Teresian Mansions VIIVII

Seventh Mansions Culmination of contemplation on earth – beatific

vision is only next step towards God Spiritual Marriage Intellectual vision of the Blessed Trinity Transforming union – permanent indwelling of

the Lord Dual awareness: person can carry on ordinary

business of life while attending to the indwelling of the Holy Trinity

No fear of death Instrument for the good of the Church

Teresian Mansions VIIVII

Seventh Mansions (cont’d)

“The spirit becomes enkindled and is illumined as it were, by a cloud of the greatest brightness. It sees these Three Persons, individually, and yet, by a wonderful kind of knowledge which is given to it, the soul realizes that most certainly and truly all these three Persons are one Substance and one Power and one Knowledge and one God alone; so that what we hold by faith the soul may be aid here to grasp by sight, although nothing is seen by the eyes, either of the body or of the soul, for it is no ordinary vision”

“The spirit becomes enkindled and is illumined as it were, by a cloud of the greatest brightness. It sees these Three Persons, individually, and yet, by a wonderful kind of knowledge which is given to it, the soul realizes that most certainly and truly all these three Persons are one Substance and one Power and one Knowledge and one God alone; so that what we hold by faith the soul may be aid here to grasp by sight, although nothing is seen by the eyes, either of the body or of the soul, for it is no ordinary vision”

IC, Mans. 7, Ch 1, pp. 209-10

Degrees of Contemplative Prayer

Prayer of QuietPrayer of Incipient Union

(rapture or ecstatic prayer)Prayer of Spiritual Marriage

(union with God)


Dark Night of the SensesDark Night of the Senses

Active purification Spiritual pride, gluttony and sloth 7 capital sins – roots are still deep Energetic asceticism/mortification

external and interior

Passive purification Active purification not enough to pull the roots out – “God shall have

to lead it into the passive purgation of the dark night The cross sent by God to purify us must complete the work of

mortification which we impose on ourselves


We’ve spoken a lot about how one takes steps to prepare oneself …

How does God act upon us in the passive purification of the senses?

How do we know if this purification is happening to us? Are there any signs by which

we might discern this?

Mental Prayer


Purgative WayPurgative Way Illuminative WayIlluminative Way Unitive WayUnitive Way

Dar

k N

ight

of

the

Sen

ses

Dar

k N

ight

of

the

Spi

rit

Beginners Proficients “Perfect”

Infused Contemplation

Discursive prayer Inspired prayer Inspired prayer

Teresian Mansions

IV, V VI, VIII, II, III

Meditation

Entry into the Dark Night of the Senses

St. John of the Cross describes three signs as follows:

We find no comfort in the things of God, nor in created things …

We find no comfort in the things of God, nor in created things …

I

For when God brings the soul into the dark night in order to wean it from sweetness and to purge the desire of sense, He does not allow it to find sweetness or comfort anywhere. It is then probable, in such a case, that this dryness is not the result of sins or of imperfections recently committed; for if it were, we should feel some inclination or desire for other things than those of God … JC, DN Bk.I, Ch.9

For when God brings the soul into the dark night in order to wean it from sweetness and to purge the desire of sense, He does not allow it to find sweetness or comfort anywhere. It is then probable, in such a case, that this dryness is not the result of sins or of imperfections recently committed; for if it were, we should feel some inclination or desire for other things than those of God … JC, DN Bk.I, Ch.9


The memory dwells ordinarily upon God with a painful anxiety and carefulness, the soul thinks it is not serving God, but going backwards…

The memory dwells ordinarily upon God with a painful anxiety and carefulness, the soul thinks it is not serving God, but going backwards…

II

… because it is no longer conscious of any sweetness in the things of God … but the spirit is, nevertheless, ready and strong… Now, if they who are in this state knew how to be quiet, … they would have, in this tranquility, a most delicious sense of this interior food [which is the commencement of contemplation]

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9

… because it is no longer conscious of any sweetness in the things of God … but the spirit is, nevertheless, ready and strong… Now, if they who are in this state knew how to be quiet, … they would have, in this tranquility, a most delicious sense of this interior food [which is the commencement of contemplation]

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9


II

This food is so delicate that, in general, it eludes our perceptions if we make any special effort to feel it; it is like the air which vanishes when we shut our hands to grasp it. For this is God’s way of bringing the soul into this state… all the soul can do of itself ends… the peace and the work of God in the spirit amid the dryness of sense.

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9

This food is so delicate that, in general, it eludes our perceptions if we make any special effort to feel it; it is like the air which vanishes when we shut our hands to grasp it. For this is God’s way of bringing the soul into this state… all the soul can do of itself ends… the peace and the work of God in the spirit amid the dryness of sense.

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9

More …


The inability to meditate and make reflections and to excite the imagination, as before, notwithstanding all the efforts we may make

The inability to meditate and make reflections and to excite the imagination, as before, notwithstanding all the efforts we may make

III

… for God begins now to communicate Himself, no longer through the channel of sense, as formerly, in consecutive reflections by which we arranged and divided our knowledge, but in pure spirit, which admits not of successive reflections, and in the act of pure contemplation( to which the special inspiration of the Holy Ghost gives rise in us).

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9

… for God begins now to communicate Himself, no longer through the channel of sense, as formerly, in consecutive reflections by which we arranged and divided our knowledge, but in pure spirit, which admits not of successive reflections, and in the act of pure contemplation( to which the special inspiration of the Holy Ghost gives rise in us).

JC, DN, Bk.1, Ch. 9

Conduct in the Dark Night of the Senses

Garrigou Lagrange sets out 4 Rules of conduct:

Docility to a spiritual director Trust in God Simple and loving gaze on God Abstaining from seeking to feel consolation

• To reach satisfaction in all – desire satisfaction in nothing.

• To come to the knowledge of all – desire the knowledge of nothing.

• To come to possess all – desire the possession of nothing.

• To arrive at being all – desire to be nothing.

• To come to enjoy what you have not – you must go by a way in which you enjoy not.

• To come to the knowledge you have not – you must go by a way in which you know not.

• To come to the possession you have not – you must go by a way in which you possess not.

• To come to be what you are not – you must go by a way in which you are not.

• In this nakedness, the spirit finds its quietude and rest …

• To reach satisfaction in all – desire satisfaction in nothing.

• To come to the knowledge of all – desire the knowledge of nothing.

• To come to possess all – desire the possession of nothing.

• To arrive at being all – desire to be nothing.

• To come to enjoy what you have not – you must go by a way in which you enjoy not.

• To come to the knowledge you have not – you must go by a way in which you know not.

• To come to the possession you have not – you must go by a way in which you possess not.

• To come to be what you are not – you must go by a way in which you are not.

• In this nakedness, the spirit finds its quietude and rest …

St. John of the Cross

Jean Pierre de Caussade 1675-1751 Great spiritual writer; spiritual director of

visitation nuns at Nancy. “Sacrament of the present moment” – a

practical ‘how to’ for the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood of St. Therese

Therese may have read Caussade Spiritual letters and Abandonment to

Divine Providence key works.

Abandonment to Divine Providence

Acceptance of ordinary, daily experiences as God’s will.

Self “annihilation” … death to self (will).

Perseverance in prayer despite no consolation or even feeling devotion or love.

Prayer of faith – surrender of whole self to God – “naked faith” described by John of the Cross.



Prayer leads to abandonment. It is the way, the door that opens us to a relationship with God … of trust based on theological virtues.

Naked faith; unsupported; no consolation sought or received…

Teresa of Calcutta “I have not experienced feeling-wise the love of Christ for years.” … Communicating via His absence.

Teresa of Calcutta “I have not experienced feeling-wise the love of Christ for years.” … Communicating via His absence.


“… you consistently stop to examine your doubts and fears instead of disregarding them in order to cast yourself blindly into God’s hands and headlong upon his bosom. In other words, you wish in every case to be given a firm guarantee to make your self abandonment easier.”

“… you consistently stop to examine your doubts and fears instead of disregarding them in order to cast yourself blindly into God’s hands and headlong upon his bosom. In other words, you wish in every case to be given a firm guarantee to make your self abandonment easier.”

“… complete distrust of self combined with utter trust in him which is born of self abandonment are the two great props of the spiritual life.”


We progress in abandonment by self-forgetfulness, casting even our concern for our spiritual state and sanctity in God’s hands, not relying on self (Pelagius) … this “most nearly ensures salvation”.

We progress in abandonment by self-forgetfulness, casting even our concern for our spiritual state and sanctity in God’s hands, not relying on self (Pelagius) … this “most nearly ensures salvation”.


“Do you know that almost the whole of the interior life is embraced in going your ways before him with your head bowed and your mood one in which self is obliterated? It is merely a question of learning how to do this in submissive peace and trusting self-abandonment. This then is my word to you: do but so live and you will have achieved everything.; all the rest God will perform, though what he accomplishes you may well neither see nor feel.”

“Do you know that almost the whole of the interior life is embraced in going your ways before him with your head bowed and your mood one in which self is obliterated? It is merely a question of learning how to do this in submissive peace and trusting self-abandonment. This then is my word to you: do but so live and you will have achieved everything.; all the rest God will perform, though what he accomplishes you may well neither see nor feel.”

Little Way of Spiritual Childhood

Two Characteristics

Everything is a grace – childlike trust and absolute confidence in God’s providence and love. Perfection of Christian life consists not in doing great things, but little things with great love for Jesus. Faith to see God’s will in ordinary life events.

Everything is a grace – childlike trust and absolute confidence in God’s providence and love. Perfection of Christian life consists not in doing great things, but little things with great love for Jesus. Faith to see God’s will in ordinary life events.

Abandonment and naked faith; surrender to perceived darkness and dryness in one’s soul

Abandonment and naked faith; surrender to perceived darkness and dryness in one’s soul

- Experienced especially at the end of her life


“Unless you be converted and become like little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 18:3)

“Unless you be converted and become like little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 18:3)

Therese: “It is in conformity with the spirit of the little way not to desire to see anything.”

“You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”

“You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”


Empty Hands…

When comes the evening of life, I shall stand before Thee with empty hands, because I do not ask Thee, My God, to take account of my works. All our works of justice are blemished in Thine Eyes. I wish therefore to be robed with Thine own Justice, and to receive from Thy Love the everlasting gift of Thyself. I desire no other Throne, no other Crown but Thee, O my Beloved.”

When comes the evening of life, I shall stand before Thee with empty hands, because I do not ask Thee, My God, to take account of my works. All our works of justice are blemished in Thine Eyes. I wish therefore to be robed with Thine own Justice, and to receive from Thy Love the everlasting gift of Thyself. I desire no other Throne, no other Crown but Thee, O my Beloved.”

Thank you!

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