Here Mark and Frances reintroduce a topic they believe does not get enough attention in our discussion of contemplative prayer or even in conversations about the spiritual journey. The topic is the important role of silence in our daily prayer and in our daily lives. Mark and Frances begin by explaining that the spiritual definition of silence goes well beyond the simple absence of noise, and they readily admit that our human language always falls short when trying to adequately explain what is meant by true silence. Indeed, they contend it is something that can only be experienced by the individual soul; it is really a gift of the Holy Spirit and really the most we can hope to do it dispose ourselves to receive this gift. None the less, in this two part series, Mark and Frances do attempt to provide some explanation of what is meant by this gift if silence, and more importantly they hope that by offering what descriptions they can, the listener will be in a better position to seek after this intimate encounter of silence in prayer. In this conversation they begin by explaining the twelve degrees of silence that are offered from the writings of the Desert Fathers. These include some of the more obvious elements of quieting our imagination, our feelings or emotions and our self love. But the list also includes the less obvious elements of needing to quiet our intelligence, judgement and will. This program is a very good introduction to the critically important role of silence in our prayer life and in the daily circumstances of our spiritual journey.
Interior Castle (part 7): Fifth Dwelling Place; Ch. 3 & 4: True Union with God
Evangelical Counsels and Perfection
Interior Castle (part 6): Fifth Dwelling Place; New Life in Christ, Fragments of Heaven
St. Therese: Being and doing for the Lord
St. John of the Cross’ Light in the Dark
Interior Castle (part 5): Fourth Dwelling Place; Transition & Transformation
Interior Castle (part 4): Third Dwelling Place; Pioneer or Settler?
The extraordinary--but ordinary--life of St. Joseph
Interior Castle (part 3): Second dwelling place, the seed is germinating, the battle intensifies
“Nada, Nada, Nada” of St. John of the Cross
Faith Is not a zero-sum game, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS
Lenten thoughts & resources for 2023
Interior Castle (part 2): Image of the Soul in the First Dwelling Place
St. Therese’s Influence on a Priest’s Vocation
A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity
Interior Castle (part 1): The Our Father Prayer
Replay: St. Teresa Margaret and the Practice of the Presence of God
Christ Made Manifest (Epiphany)
Rejoice and Be Light (Homily by Fr. John MacQuarrie)
Replay: The Christmas Grace and Epiphany of St. Therese of Lisieux
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