-
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Fifteen letters Brother Lawrence had written to acquaintances over the last ten years of his life were found in his footlocker after his death in 1691. These letters, a set of maxims, and some biographical material make up all we know of this blessed man. Abbot De Beaufort published this material in a small book known as Practicing the Presence of God. In the second letter contained in that book, Brother Lawrence describes his practice and his resulting state of being after many years of undertaking it:
“… I make it my business only to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I keep myself by a simple attention, and a general fond regard to God, which I may call an actual Presence of God; or, to speak better, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the soul with God, which often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others.”
Brother Lawrence lived in the contemplative state, a state of continuous communion with God. From Brother Lawrence’s description, it sounds like a wonderful ecstatic state of being, a heaven on earth, a continuous communion with God. Brother Lawrence cautions us not to pursue this state of being for its pleasure, but to seek God’s presence from a principle of love and because it is God’s will for us. OK, so let us pursue this for the right reasons, but how do we go about it? How do we live in continuous communion with God? Ultimately, of course this is a gift provided by the Grace of God; however, Saint Teresa of Avila tells us, there is a lot we can do to put ourselves in a position to receive this Grace. The meditation and contemplative prayer instructions provided with this Lenten challenge, and dedicated perseverance on your part, should set you on a course to meet God halfway in receiving this Grace.
For the first 16 centuries, achieving this contemplative state was the goal of western Christianity. However, after the Protestant reformation and the 30-year war, the focus shifted. Contemplative prayer continued in some Roman Catholic monastic traditions such as the Carmelite tradition, and never faltered at all in other branches of Catholicism, such as the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Fortunately for us, since Vatican II’s refocusing, contemplative prayer has seen a revitalization in our Roman Catholic Church. Monastics, such as Thomas Merton, Fathers Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and William Menninger have championed a resurgence of Catholic meditation and contemplation.
Lenten Action
Obtain a copy of Brother Lawrence’s book, Practicing the Presence of God, and begin reading it.
If you are a regular practitioner of contemplative prayer, review Section 1 of Practical Instructions for Practicing the Presence of God (attached to this email). Consider incorporating these practices into your daily prayers. Then spend your normal time in contemplative prayer.
If you are new to meditation and contemplative prayer, re-read Section 1 of Practical Instructions for Practicing the Presence of God (attached to this email). Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and Practice the Presence as outlined in the booklet.
Today is not a Fast day, but if you have a mind to abstain from a favorite food or drink, please do so as a means of strengthening your will power. Remember not to watch TV, or use your computer or your phone to access social media, computer games, or other unnecessary apps.”