Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Perfection Series continued-Prayer is a Necessity; not a Leisure Activity
repost
It is a wonderful thing to meet a holy priest who has experienced the stages of perfection. Too bad I cannot have him as a spiritual director, but I shall be leaving Ireland soon.
The comfort of not being judged, knowing that God uses various events and people to move us towards Him, and the strength of a man who has encountered God are all priceless.
But, here is the bottom line.
We are loved by God for no other reason than He created us.
Our existence is an act of love.
Our salvation is an act of love.
Our response is prayer. Do we not want to talk to those who love us? Frequently?
Blessed Columba Marmion wrote this: "It can be established that according to ordinary ways, our progress in divine love practically depends on our life of prayer."
Some commentaries have belittled the life of prayer for the laity. No prayer, no progress.
Marmion writes that "the life of prayer is transforming."
These quotation are from Christ, the Life of the Soul, English translation by "A Nun of Tyburn," Mother Mary St. Thomas, 1922.
The laity have no choice but to pray. And pray frequently. And move into the stages by ASKING for the graces. Do not be sheepish. Do not be afraid.
There are great saints in the Church and too many lay people think that saints are born, not made.