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Acquired Contemplation Full
THE ART OF ACQUIRED CONTEMPLATION FOR EVERYONE (Into the Mystery of God) Deacon Dr. Bob McDonald ECCE HOMO Behold the Man Behold the Man-God Behold His holy face Creased with sadness and pain. His head shrouded and shredded with thorns The atrocious crown for the King of Kings Scourged and torn with forty lashes Humiliated and mockingly adored. Pleading with love rejected Impaled by my crucifying sins Yet persisting in his love for me I see all this in his tortured eyes. So, grant me the grace to love you As you have loved me That I may lay down my life in joy As you have joyfully laid down your life for me. In the stillness I seek you In the silence I find you In the quiet I listen For the music of God. THE ART OF ACQUIRED CONTEMPLATION Chapter 1 What is Acquired Contemplation? Chapter 2 The Christian Tradition Chapter 3 The Scriptural Foundation Chapter 4 The Method Chapter 5 Expectations Chapter 6 The Last Word CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS ACQUIRED CONTEMPLATION? It will no doubt come as a surprise For the reader to be told that acquired contemplation is indeed somethinG that can be “acquired” and that it is in Fact available to all Christians in all walKs oF liFe. It is not, as is commonly held, an esoteric practice reserved For men and women oF exceptional holiness. It is now Known to possess a universal potential which all oF us can enjoy and which has been larGely untapped by lay Christians For niGh on 2000 years. -
Being Contemplative in the Midst of Action
- 1 - Being Contemplative in the Midst of Action To be contemplative in the midst of action – contemplativus in actione – is often held up as an ideal. We’ve seen that for Lallemant and his school contemplation is necessary for a fully fruitful apostolate. What is the connection between the two; what is the real link between action and contemplation? Our authors tell us that contemplation brings us closer to God, that contemplation forms us into better instruments of God. All that is true, and more could be said along those lines; but that still does not answer the question, Precisely how are they are linked? The best treatment of the question that I know, and one that I think proposes a precise answer to our question, is to be found in Jean-Joseph Surin’s Spiritual Catechism. This is a book that we know Fr Colin read and recommended. I’m not, however aware of any traceable influence on Jean-Claude Colin of the particular section of Surin’s Spiritual Catechism that I’m going to talk about. So I’m not, this time, going to try to show any links or provide parallel texts of Colin. I am assuming, however, that there is some kind of general influence on Colin, that something would have rubbed off; perhaps thorough research may reveal particular parallels but that’s not going to be our concern today. Instead I’m going to present Surin’s teaching for its own sake because I believe it to be of great value and importance. I can add that his Spiritual Catechism was greatly appreciated by Jacques and Raïssa Maritain and played a decisive role in their own Christian and spiritual growth (see R. -
The Holy Person in Comparative Perspective
The Holy Person in Comparative Perspective Thomas Head Hunter College and the Graduate Center, CUNY A holy person is one who serves as an exemplar of virtue and an embodiment of sacred power. The holy person lives according to the highest ideals of a religious tradition. The word "saint" is frequently used in English for such persons. Explicitly Christian in its origin, this term (and many many linguistically similar terms in modern European languages) comes from the Latin sanctus (holy man) or sancta (holy woman). It was Peter Brown who--in a 1971 article entitled "The Rise and Function of the Holy Man in Late Antiquity"-- coined the phrase "holy person" in its modern scholarly usage through the brilliantly simple expedient of taking his Christian sources literally. Brown has since (see the citations below) regularly rethought this concept in the light of more recent scholarship on Christianity. Scholars of other religious traditions have freely used this term and concept in studying other traditions. Thre fruists of those studies provide a useful mirror on the practice of holiness in Christianity. Early Christians, such as those studied by Brown, honored as saints specifically those persons who were thought to have earned immediate entrance to the kingdom of heaven after their death. In practice only a limited number of people were so venerated. The first to be so recognized were martyrs, who had died for their witness to the name of Christ. With the end of persecution, monks who endured the symbolic martyrdom of rigorous self-denial came to be officially honored as saints. -
Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Directors
Fuller Theological Seminary Digital Commons @ Fuller Doctor of Ministry Projects School of Theology 8-2019 Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Directors Jill Sweet Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/dmin Part of the Christianity Commons Ministry Focus Paper Approval Sheet This ministry focus paper entitled SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS Written by JILL SWEET and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry has been accepted by the Faculty of Fuller Theological Seminary upon the recommendation of the undersigned readers: Libby Vincent Kurt Fredrickson Date Received: September 17, 2019 SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS A DOCTORAL PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY JILL SWEET AUGUST 2019 Copyright© 2019 by Jill Sweet All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Directors Jill Sweet Doctor of Ministry School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary 2019 For centuries, Christ followers have sought places of silence and solitude in order to hear God’s voice more clearly. They also have sought the spiritual wisdom of those who have spent time in silence and solitude. Today is no different. To face the challenges of ministry, clergy, lay leaders, missionaries, and leaders of non-profit organizations seek places of refuge to prayerfully listen and discern. Quiet Oaks, the retreat space for Come, Learn, Rest Ministries, is a place where ministry leaders escape the daily rigors of ministry and find rest for their souls in the practice of spiritual direction. -
Chapter 12 Grades of Prayer
Chapter 12 Grades of Prayer We are indebted to St. Teresa of Avila for the clearest and best classification of the grades of prayer. Her concept that the intensity of one's life of prayer coincides with the intensity of one's charity is based on solid theology and was confirmed by St. Pius X, who stated that the grades of prayer taught by St. Teresa represent so many grades of elevation and ascent toward Christian perfection.(1) These grades are (1) vocal prayer, (2) meditation, (3) affective prayer, (4) prayer of simplicity, (5) infused contemplation, (6) prayer of quiet, (7) prayer of union, (8) prayer of conforming union, and (9) prayer of transforming union. The first four grades of prayer belong to the predominantly ascetical stage of the spiritual life; the remaining five grades are infused prayer and belong to the mystical phase of the spiritual life. Vocal Prayer Although we classify the grades of prayer under the headings of ascetical and mystical, there may be mystical prayer in the early stages of the spiritual life, and there may be a return to ascetical activity on the part of souls who are well advanced in mystical ways. Hence what is meant by ascetical and mystical signifies that which is predominant and not that which is exclusive. Little remains to be said concerning vocal prayer, since much of what we have already written concerning the prayer of petition applies to the first grade of prayer. By vocal prayer we mean any form of prayer expressed in words, whether written or spoken. -
The Devil: Does He Exist? and What Does He
m :^^ r^^\:r:- mSm:,,: .Xhe Devil : ^^ ^ ^ -rioES ' HE ' mMx:'^ ; A j. J ^ AND WHAT DOES HE DO ? BY FATHER DELAPORTE, OF THE SOCIETY OF MEBCY, Doctor of Theology, Professor of Dogma in the Faculty of Bordeaux. ^ranslatilr from tit ^ixil Ifxzntl 'EUiion, BEVISED AND COBBEOTED BY THE AUTHOE, By MES. JAMES SADLIER. NEW YOEK: D. & J. SADLIER & CO., 31 BARCLAY STREET. MONTREAL I COR. NOTRE DAME AND ST. FRANCIS XAVIER STS. 1871. \, • vt • • • -•••" •'•!••. • « • « • <• * ! . • . • r Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, By D. & J. SADLIER & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Stereotyped by VINCENT DILL, 85 & 27 New-Chambers St, N. Y. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE, The valuable and interesting little work now first presented to the public in an English form, appeared, some two or three years since, in France, where it passed through several editions in the space of a few weeks. Its popularity was immense, notwithstanding that other and larger works of a similar nature were already extant. Soon after its appear- ance, it was brought under my notice by an esteemed missionary priest of this city, a member of the same community as the reverend and learned author. I at once commenced its translation, which IV TRANSLATOR S PREFACE. was soon unhappily interrupted by severe and protracted family affliction. After many attempts to continue the transla- tion, I have at length succeeded in ac- c mplishing my task, and now present Father Delaporte's admirable httle work to the American pubhc. If it only in- terests readers as much it did myself in translating it, it will be no less popular here than in France. -
Spiritual Exercises Binder
Guide to Spiritual Exercises Sponsored by Regnum Christi Love Christ – Serve People – Build the Church TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 2 INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRE ........................................................ 3 OPENING/CLOSING PRAYER ................................................... 4 A GUIDE TO MEDITATION ....................................................... 5 DAILY PRAYER ........................................................................... 8 CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST. .................................. 12 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION .................................................. 14 ROSARY ...................................................................................... 20 STATIONS OF THE CROSS ...................................................... 24 A GUIDE TO CONFESSION ...................................................... 46 EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE ......................................... 47 PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRES .............................................. 49 PRAYER COMMITMENT ......................................................... 54 VOCATION STATEMENT ........................................................ 55 EXAMPLE VOCATION STATEMENT .................................... 56 OUTLINE FOR VOCATION STATEMENT ............................ 57 A GUIDE FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION. ............................... 58 PROGRAM OF LIFE ................................................................. -
PRAYER and the CULTIVATION of MIND: An
PRAYER AND THE CULTIVATION OF MIND: An Examination of Thomas Merton and Chinul by Kun Ki Kang A noticeable current trend in religion has been a spirit of under standing between Buddhism and Christianity. Because of the needs of the time, the task of comparative study is not to be taken lightly. Within this framework the purpose of this essay is to examine Thomas Merton's under standing of prayer in comparison with Ch inul's doctrine of the Cultivation of Mind to find what similarities, as well as differences, exist between them.1 Thomas Merton, Trappist monk who is regarded as a bridge-builder between East and West, lived in twentieth century America while Chinul, Buddhist master who is considered the founder of the Zen tradition in Korea, lived there in the twelfth century. Differences between them are apparent in time and space as well as in faith. 1. This essay is based on Chapters Vand VI of my doctoral dissertation. See Kun Ki Kang, Thomas Merton and Buddhism: I\ Comparative Scudy of che Spiritual Though! of Thomas Merion and Thal of National Teacher Bojo (New York: New York University, 1979). 222 Kun Ki Kang Thomas Merton and Chinul 223 Yet, a common ground which makes this comparison possible can be the source of our physical life." 2 Merton's spirituality rests upon the fact found between the two masters. As persons of prayer and the cultivation of that we are the image of God and that we naturally are united with God. mind, they devoted their lives to finding their true selves and to sharing the Sin, according to Merton, is " our refusal to be what we were created fruits of their findings with others. -
Interrogating the Tradition
10 INTERROGATING THE TRADITION By KENNETH LEECH N THIS ARTICLE I want to ask: what light is thrown by the christian tradition of spiritual theology, out of which the ministry of spiritual direction arose, upon the contemporary I practice of this ministry? This will involve, first, a consider- ation of the growth and changing face of contemporary practice; and, secondly, a discussion of the questions which an examination of the tradition must raise for contemporary practice, and also of the questions which are raised by the contemporary scene in its interrogation of the past. Without doubt, spiritual direction has undergone a significant process of rehabilitation in recent years. Since I wrote my study Soul friend in 1977, at a time when there was almost no contempor- ary material available, there has been a virtual epidemic of writing on the subject, particularly in the United States. 1 Nor is this resurgence of interest confined to those within the catholic tradi- tions. Experience in protestant seminaries in the United States over some ten years has shown that many seminarians, aware of the inadequacies and gaps within their own traditions, have sought help from local Jesuits and Dominicans and, indeed, from anyone who seems to be in touch with an authentic tradition concerning the interior life. One of the significant aspects of the current quest for guidance is that much of it takes place on the fringes of, or outside of, the institutional Churches. In a study of the drug culture, published fifteen years ago, I drew attention to the growing need for a ministry of spiritual direction which took account of the resurgence of forms of spirituality outside the mainstream Churches. -
Spiritual Themes in Counseling and Church Ministry Credits: 4 Doctoral Credits Class-Session 1
COURSE SYLLABUS Course No.: DC9024 Course Title: Spiritual themes in counseling and church ministry Credits: 4 doctoral credits Class-Session 1. July 10-12 (Mon to Wed) 9am to 5pm with one hour lunch Break Date: 2. Sept 4-6 (3D2N retreat camp) Schedule: The course takes place over a period of 3 months with classroom time and retreats. Due Dates: Post-Class-Session assignment is due sixty days after the Class-Session ends. Professor of Dr. Greg Johanson, Ph.D. Record Dr. Elsie Tung, Psy D Course This course will explore spirituality as a lived experience in different forms, and Description how pastoral staff can relate helpfully to different functional types of and Design spirituality within the context of their specific faith traditions. The spiritual themes will include how mindfulness practice is integrated in soul care and discernment. Practicing contemplative prayer as a way of listening to how spiritual formation and direction work in pastoral counseling and ministry will Be the foci of study in this course. Methodology Didactic, practices in contemplative prayers and retreats. This course will use a large amount of experiential learning. Lectures, class discussion, demonstrations, practice in prayers and retreats will Be employed to facilitate learning in Both affective and cognitive fashions. Learning Upon successful completion of this course, the doctorial students should: Outcome 1. Be more sensitive about spiritual needs and their practice. 2. Be able to exercise soul care and discernment. 3. Be able to facilitate prayer training, retreats and spiritual practice . Course The module consists of 3 parts. Outline I. Lectures on spirituality II. -
Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood
© 2008 UC Regents Buy this book University of California Press, one of the most distinguished university presses in the United States, enriches lives around the world by advancing scholarship in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its activities are supported by the UC Press Foundation and by philanthropic contributions from individuals and institutions. For more information, visit www.ucpress.edu. University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles, California University of California Press, Ltd. London, England © 2008 by The Regents of the University of California Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Renard, John, 1944– Friends of God : Islamic images of piety, commitment, and servanthood / John Renard. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn: 978-0-520-24291-3 (cloth : alk. paper) isbn: 978-0-520-25198-4 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Islamic hagiography—History and criticism. 2. Legends, Islamic—History and criticism. I. Title. bp189.43.r46 2008 297.6'1—dc22 2007028542 Manufactured in the United States of America 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 10987654321 This book is printed on New Leaf EcoBook 50, a 100% recycled fiber of which 50% is de-inked post-consumer waste, processed chlorine-free. EcoBook 50 is acid-free and meets the minimum requirements of ansi/astm d5634-01 (Permanence of Paper). 1. Beginnings Both Humble and Spectacular Among the various subgenres within the expansive category of Islamic hagiography, those that recount the births, infancies, and childhood years of God’s Friends are among the most intriguing for both religious and literary reasons. From a religious perspective, whatever the specific faith tradition, these accounts underscore the mystery and marvelous nature of divine involvement in human affairs. -
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Pastor: Father Brian T. Bell Assisting Priests: Fr. Fred Adamson, V.G. Fr. John Pearson, C.S.C.; Fr. Stephen Sedlock, C.S.C. Fr. John Coleman, Fr. Charles Keefe, Deacon Alan Hungate MASS SCHEDULE SPECIAL MASSES Weekend: Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Divine Mercy Mass: Wednesday 8:30 AM Devotion to follow Mass Sunday 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 AM Weekday: Monday —Friday 8:30 AM Padre Pio Mass: First Monday of the Month 7:00 PM Devotion to follow Mass SACRAMENTS Spanish Mass: First Saturday of the Month at 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm to 4:30pm Baptism: Contact Parish Office 3 months in advance Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00AM —4:00PM Weddings: Contact Parish Office 9 months in advance (closed 12-1-lunch) Fri 9:00AM —12:00PM (NOON) May 19 , 2019 - 5th Sunday of Easter 10755 N. 124th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Www.StBernardScottsdale.org Page 2 May 19, 2019 Welcome to St. Bernard of Clairvaux , Scottsdale, AZ Fr. Brian Bell, Pastor Page 3 Around The Reverend Christopher Jerome Gossen: Our first Seminarian from the Parish of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, World Celebration Deacon Christopher Gossen will be Ordained to the Priesthood in the For Fr Brian Bell’’s Diocese of Phoenix on June 1, 2019 at St. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. 50th Jubilee of his Ordination, Christopher’s ministry in our Church began in 1998 with our Music Ministry, playing the keyboard and singing in the choir and band. He Retirement, Birthday and was Confirmed at St.