The desire to have some experience of God is widespread. Many
persons of all ages have a genuine yearning for communion with the
spiritual world. The trouble is that we are never quite certain how
we should invest our energies to ensure that we are moving closer
to the truth and not deeper into delusion. It seems prudent,
therefore, to look for guidance from those who have actually made
the journey and are skilled in initiating others. This is why we
approach the great contemplative traditions: to find out something
about prayer and the sort of life that facilitates its growth. We
cannot always generate our own solutions because our horizons are
limited. The first thing we need to learn is to look at life from a
different perspective. Here the ancient spiritual masters can serve
us well... The key idea that is common to these teachers is that
contemplation is possible only for those who have puritas cordis:
an undivided heart. The act of communion with God is one which
engages the whole person and calls upon all the interior energies.
It can occur only when these energies are working together, when
inner disharmony has been overcome and unity reigns within. Such a
state is not achieved quickly but only by the grace of God and the
labor of decades. It involves a radical conversion of life and a
persevering will to live in accordance with the Gospel. Spiritual
growth is thus seen as a matter of progressively purifying the
personal center of will and knowledge, eliminating inner division
and becoming more intent on seeking the one thing necessary.
Michael Casey is a monk of Tarrawarra Abbey in Australia. He is
well-known as a retreat master and lecturer on monastic
spirituality and holds a doctorate from Melbourne College of
Divinity in the area of the life and writings of St. Bernard of
Clairvaux.
General
Imprint: |
St Bede's Publications,U.S.
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
September 1994 |
First published: |
1994 |
Authors: |
Michael Casey
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 19mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
220 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-879007-04-8 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-879007-04-5 |
Barcode: |
9781879007048 |
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!