Memory is a very strange affair. As it pertains to our recalled past experiences and stored knowledge, it plays a huge role in our sense of identity. We often evaluate ourselves on what we have done or failed to do, and on what others have done or failed to do. How strange that our self-image … Continue reading Holding Jesus’ Hand
Tag: Scripture
Mental Prayer, Prayer of Recollection, and Prayer of Quiet
From time to time, all Carmelites struggle with the required periods of mental prayer. We may even struggle for long periods of time, even for many years. The Teresian prayer that we strive to practice is the Prayer of Recollection. However, there are many misconceptions about this prayer, and these misconceptions can make our … Continue reading Mental Prayer, Prayer of Recollection, and Prayer of Quiet
We Are the Gift
It’s wonderful how Scripture continues to provide new insights from passages we have heard so many times before. Today’s Gospel reading was from Matthew 22:1-14. To paraphrase: The ones that a king invited to a wedding banquet refused to come in favor of their worldly pursuits, so the king filled his hall with other guests, … Continue reading We Are the Gift
The Gift of Freedom in Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) is well known for her writings on prayer. She recognized our real need for freedom in our prayer lives. This freedom is one of her greatest gifts to us, and at the same time, it can be a real challenge. The general way of praying recommended by St. Teresa is known … Continue reading The Gift of Freedom in Prayer
The Mystery of Wisdom
From the earliest days of Christianity, the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and Catholic theologians have grappled with the mystery of wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures. In some passages, wisdom almost seems to be interchangeable with the Holy Spirit. (See Wisdom 1:6-8.) In other places, Scripture states that wisdom was created by God, and … Continue reading The Mystery of Wisdom
Reflections from Carmel 