Christian contemplation thrown into the muddy highways of the world : encouragement : experiences : resources
This past week, in the quotes posted to social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) I continued on the theme of Christian eco-spirituality for Earth Month, and I honoured Jacques Maritain, one of the biggest influences on me and on this blog, who died 51 years ago today: As a spiritual work of mercy, care for our …
Continue reading “Exigencies of Contemplative Love for Creation and People (Quotes Vol. 38)”
In the Incarnation, God became vulnerable. He took on vulnerability which he didn’t have otherwise. The Humanity of Jesus introduced this feature of divine love, by letting the vulnerability of material creatureliness have a share in the Godhead. This is how we normally speak. But is it actually right? Does it manifest the truth about …
Continue reading “God the Most Vulnerable: Indigenous Baptist and Catholic Perspectives”
I’ve recently had cause to say to more than one person, as a way of explanation for why I think the way I do, “But I take Thomist metaphysics for granted.” Now, don’t run away. I’m not going to make this blog, or even this post, about philosophy or dogmatic theology. And I’m more than …
From social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X) this past week: The Three Divine Persons dwell within you at every moment of the day and night. You do not possess the Sacred Humanity as you do when you receive Holy Communion, but the divinity, the essence which the blessed adore in Heaven, is in your soul; when you …
Continue reading “Completely Enveloped in the Merciful God and Waiting with Him (Quotes Vol. 23)”
A brief respite from the heavy work on clerical abuse, with these quotes that were posted to Facebook, Instagram, and X recently: “To me he has granted his infinite mercy and through it I contemplate and adore the other divine perfections! All of these perfections appear to be resplendent with love, even his Justice (and perhaps this even more …
Continue reading “Infinity Come to Us and Taking our Everything (Quotes Vol. 14)”
Most Catholics are familiar with seven spiritual and seven corporal works of mercy. Although none of them is an act of contemplation, no small number of them might flow out of our contemplation, particularly of Christ in our neighbour. Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the …
Certainly I am dear to God. And why? Because I’m the wretch that I am. Jesus came not to call the just but sinners [cf. Mt 9:13; Mk 2:17; Lk 5:32]. How dear we sinners are to him. Saint Paul of the Cross
Since your condition obliges you to roll on the tempestuous sea of this world, try never to swallow its waters, but drink rather those of Divine grace, turning in all your needs with a loving, filial trust to the Source of Mercy. Love above all else, and fear to displease, the God of sovereign goodness …
Be gentle with yourself. Suffer no despair about the person you are. It suffices that the God of Love makes of you the places of his dwelling and the vessel of his mercy. Charles Cardinal Journet (1891–1975)
I tend not to be very “up to date” or in with the times, but the current Year of Mercy is one that I love very much. Perhaps I should offer a word on this. When we are converted (initially and increasingly), it all begins with the mercy of God. It begins in secret, but …
Contemplative in the Mud 