LOVE v WILL POWER For years I have heard spiritual guides saying that it is our wills that are crucial in the prayer of the heart. I have to admit that I have found it difficult to make sense of this, because it sounds like muscular Christianity which I have found inadequate. I imbibed a strong moralising religion as a child, which meant learning what was right and willing myself to do it – this was especially reinforced by the image of a fearsome God who was keeping the score. The result was a sense of failure combined with frequent resolutions to do better. I know that was not true religion, which is about relating to the God who is love. What I was practicing was a throwback to Old Testament keeping of the law. I think that is what Jesus was talking about when he described John the Baptist as the greatest man born of woman, but added ‘yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is’ . He said: ‘Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm’ . (Matthew 11, 11). Muscular Christianity with its stress on will power uses violence against self and even against others to take the kingdom of heaven by storm. So why do the greatest spiritual guides keep saying that the will is central? A clue lies in The Catechism of the Catholic Church’s chapter on prayer (paragraph 2563). The explanation begins with the heart: “The heart is the dwelling-place where I live. According to the Semitic (Jewish) or Biblical expression, the heart is the place ‘to which I withdraw.’ The heart is our hidden centre, beyond the grasp of our reason and of other people; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully.” The Catechism’s explanation then shifts the focuses to the heart’s movement and actions beyond itself: “The heart is the place of decision , deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as images of God we live through relationship: it is the place of covenant” (my underlining). I find the words ‘decision’ and ‘choose’ more helpful than ‘will’. As I spend time in silent prayer seeking the face of God, with the conscious attempt to love him and let myself be loved by him, it is the constant renewing of the decision and choice which gradually solidifies an attitude of love in my heart. Much of the time, there is no feeling or understanding of this living relationship, but, as time goes on, I am aware that that relationship is an attitude developing in my heart. That awareness rises up from my heart to my mind more and more throughout the day and night. It is like a catch of a tune springing up in the mind. But the word ‘will’ or 'will power' certainly describes the strength needed when there is temptation. I find that it is easier to resist temptation when I am aware of the Father’s love and Jesus’ closeness. It is when these are obscured that my will must operate most strongly. Usually it is not a matter of willing to do something, but rather a tenacious clinging on in the dark to the hand of God. That takes grit, in which I am often lacking, but as the relationship grows I expect my will to grow stronger. WHAT IS THE USE OF TEMPTATION? We might ask: what does temptation have to do with contemplation? Temptation is never far away from one who contemplates. The Evil One knows only too well what power for good flows from the lovers of God. He hates contemplation and tries to disrupt it whenever he can. Thankfully, God shields his lovers much of the time, but at others he permits us to be tempted. It is not that he is abandoning us then, but he is turning the Devils weapons back on his own head. Each time we overcome temptation with the help of God's grace, not only is the Devil weakened, but also our own inner self grows stronger. It is in that struggle, that we are tested and purified like gold in a furnace. When undergoing temptation it is important to remember four basic Catholic teachings. God will never allow us to be tempted beyond our strength. But often we will not appreciate what strength we have with the aid of God's grace until after struggle is over. All temptations eventually pass. Temptation is not sin. Sin is where we willingly indulge a temptation and welcome it into our souls. Then it restricts our capacity to experience God's love. In that state of deprivation we allow evil to become stronger in ourselves and the whole world. Temptations arise from virtues that are wounded and twisted. Anger, for instance, is a God-given power of our soul to remove evil with extraordinary force. When anger is diseased, that force is used to harm and hurt. The saints and spiritual teachers mean something much deeper than 'will power' when they use the word 'will'. We shall consider that in Chapter 12 in this series 'Prayer of the heart'. QUESTION How are you finding my thoughts on the prayer of the heart/contemplation? I am sure I myself only see a small part of this deepest activity of our spirit. Would you care to add something of your own thoughts and experience? Use the 'comment on this article' button below.
Visiting candidates for the Priesthood from a lay point of view. During Holy Week we had the privilege of staying at the English seminary in Valladolid in Spain. There were 19 lads who were two thirds of their way through the propaedeutic year. This means they were on the 1 st year of preparation and training for the priesthood, which would be followed by 6 years in seminary in Rome at the Venerable English college, Oscott in Birmingham, or Allen Hall in London. It was a real gift to have so many wonderful conversations with them about the course they are following, the thought processes they are led through and their hopes for their future, and the future of the Church. They were men on all different ages – some still very young whilst others had been in business or industry after university. Many were from the UK but there were also four lads from Canada and three from Norway as well as one lad from the Armenian tradition and one from Brazil ( although bnased inth eUK), and other countries were also represented. So, there was a mix of cultures, languages and traditions. It was a joy to hear their views on the progress of the Church around the world and their involvement in it. Their willingness to sit and chat and the warm welcome they gave us was incredible. There were also members of staff present ( four of whom were priests and one lady) as well as some of the families and friends of some of the seminarians. It was interesting to hear of the visiting speakers they have during the year, the visits of some of the bishops of men in the current group, visits to Lourdes and this week they are on the Camino to Santiago de Compostella. Besides this we had the chance to hear from the parents and families who are part of this process as they support their sons. Many were trying to work out what it means for them and their family in the future which gave us a very different perspective. The conversations were at times light-hearted and great fun, but many went on to be very deep and touched on ideas about where the Church had come from and what this generation of young people consider to be the future of the Church. Many of the lads had received great support from friends and family, but several had battled with views of folk who thought they were wasting their life and did not understand the call of God to this vocation. They expressed their thoughts on the archaic processes of past seminaries which many alumni had shared with them over the months. Without any prompting these men stated that they wanted to go to seminary not only to understand their vocation but to receive training to be the best pastors they can be and to learn how to serve God in the best way possible. Although they sometimes seemed young and idealistic their course of thought was true and honest. One of the most significant things I discovered throughout these conversations, both with staff and students was to learn that this propaedeutic year is all about the foundation of prayer in their life. The students are led to develop habits of prayers, to learn how to use the breviary, to discover the meaning of scripture through Lectio Davina, to study the Catechism of the Church and to question themselves about their own relationship with God. This was not just to cover the basis and tick the boxes there was a real desire to listen to God with their hearts. From many conversations with older priests, I came to the conclusion that this often seemed to be missing in seminaries in the past and it was great to hear this is the first thing they tackle and develop in the lives of these young men. Without prayer and a relationship with God at the centre of their lives how can these possible future priests embark on the next stage of their journey? Even if some discover they are not called to the priesthood this foundational year will be a corner stone in their future lives. We manged to attend many of the services and times of prayer in the college and although very nervous the lads got stuck into the things they were asked to do, such as sing the Psalms which many had only done in practise; to read with confidence and to serve on the sanctuary. They did this with great joy and gusto. I am totally sure I would never have attempted singing solo as they did, credit must be given to them, especially if they were slightly tone deaf. Well, done lads!
Whist visiting the English College for Seminarians in Valladolid we attended the Triduum services at the college but we were also able to see several of the Semana Santa processions in the wonderful town of Valladolid. It was quite an experience. On Maundy Thursday morning the seminarians were part of the very long procession of clerics in the Chrism Mass at the cathedral. It was an incredible experience for them, to take part in a huge Chrism Mass, as many had never been to this in their own diocese. On Good Friday they led the grand procession of 33 floats depicting the passion and death of Jesus as the drum beat resounded throughout the city. The city had something of a festive air as families strolled around the town meeting up with other family members or friends for coffee or snacks. Yet even though it felt like a holiday, the atmosphere was still quite sombre and low key. It was as though people were aware something immensely important was about to happen. As the days of Holy Week progressed the atmosphere seemed to build. If you are familiar with the Spanish culture, you will know these lovely warm people cannot go two minutes without chatting and yet wherever you went, they were waiting around in silence or talking in low voices. We saw the Confraternities preparing and bands of young musicians, many older teenagers but younger ones too, as they began to line up in silence for the processions to begin at various churches around the city. They began their long slow mournful processions with tableaux of the passion of Christ, often carried (and occasionally wheeled), by members of various brotherhoods, some with their faces covered, others not.
During a bitter argument with the Jews, Jesus said: “I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and, as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again ” (John 10: 17-18). Those who executed Jesus did so only because he not only allowed it but explicitly chose it. This is borne out by the events leading up to his death, starting in the previous week. Bethany He is on his way to Jerusalem and reaches Bethany where he had raised Lazarus from the dead a few days before. Suddenly something happens which is his Father’s signal to him that he must enter into the final drama of redemption. It is the sign he has been waiting for: Gentiles come looking for Jesus. He then proclaims that the hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Suddenly, he is overcome by distress saying “Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father save me from this hour? But it is for this very reason that I have come to this hour; Father glorify your name!” A voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again”. Jesus said: “Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be overthrown, and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself" (John 12: 27-32). after a moment of fear, he makes the decision to go ahead, and takes up the terrifying burden of our redemption, totally committed to his Father’s will. God has chosen Jerusalem to be the epicentre of divine-human intercourse. Jesus’ heart is heavy as he approaches it to bring to a head the time of judgment. As he drew near and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, "If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes!” He prophecies the coming destruction of the city and its inhabitants. “And all because you did not recognize your opportunity when God offered it”. (Luke 19: 41-44) Palm Sunday Jerusalem’s name means something like 'where wholeness is developed' or ‘where peace is forged’. He enters as King of Peace, riding not a war horse but a donkey. The people go wild with joy. They cannot help themselves. The Cosmos is crowding down upon them, gathering for the final battle. When Some Pharisees tell him to silence the crowd, he answered, "I tell you, if these keep silence the stones will cry out." (Luke 19: 40) He then goes to the temple, makes a whip, and rids it of all the market stalls which provided a nice income for the Chief Priests and Jewish leaders. They are enraged and come to protest. It is the last stage in the bitter arguments he has provoked with them publicly exposing their hypocrisy. He has staged the whole series of confrontations to leave them no choice but to seek his death. He is brutally forcing the issue. He is entirely in charge of the developing events. Passover After four days, he celebrates the Passover, the Last Supper. As he institutes the Eucharist, his eternal sacrifice of himself is begun. We join in that same sacrifice at every Mass. At the end he says: “The prince of this world is on his way, He has no power over me, but the world must be brought to know that I love the Father and that I am doing exactly what the Father told me. Arise, let us go” (John 14: 30-31). He has summoned Satan to the final cosmic battle. Satan comes with all his powers of darkness. From now on, the full power of evil will press down upon the city. Jesus feels it keenly. He leaves the city and crosses the Kedron Valley to the Garden of Olive Trees. He tells the disciples “pray that you do not be put to the test”. Then he withdrew from them, and knelt down and prayed. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done not mine. Then an angel appeared coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief” (Luke 22: 39-46). They cannot stand the weight of darkness gathering around them. Judas comes with the soldiers sent by the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. “Knowing everything that was going to happen to him, Jesus then came forward and said, "Who are you looking for?" ·They answered, “Jesus the Nazareen”. He answered “I am he”. When he said “I am he”, they moved back and fell to the ground” (John 18: 2-8). As he voluntarily surrenders himself into their power, see what power he himself emanated! Later Pilate senses it. Foolish Peter cuts off a soldier’s ear. Jesus heals it and tells Peter to put his sword away “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father who would promptly send more than twelve legions of angels to my defence? (Luke 26:53). The total ferocity of Satan As he relinquishes his power, all hell, literally, breaks loose. People change and their worst characteristics take over. When he was eight days old, Simeon had prophecied that through him "the secret thoughts of many would be laid bare" (Luke 2: 35). His followers, who have witnessed multiple, amazing, miraculous demonstration of his power, are overcome by craven fear and run away. Peter, the foremost among them ends up swearing and cursing that he does not know Jesus. Judas the traitor hangs himself. As he is first held at the palace of the high priest, “the men who guarded Jesus were mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him. "Play the prophet," they said. "Who hit you then?" And they continued heaping insults on him” (Luke 22: 64). Later the Roman soldier whipped him within an inch of his life and then mocked him. Herod dressed him as a fool. After his first trial, the Chief Priests and Pharisees, men who usually clung rigidly to their dignity, turned into a rabble, striking him and spitting on him. They will continue to break out into frenzy as he hangs on the cross throwing dirt at him and loudly ridiculing him. Pilate’s wife has terrible dreams about him, and urges her husband to have nothing to do with it. But the mob is going crazy and Pilate’s best efforts fail to prevent the death penalty. The Reversal of History As the Original Sin along with all its horrible consequences are pouring into the chalice that he will drink in order to break its power, the Woman, the New Eve comes and takes her place with her New Adam. She binds herself to him in her heart, a heart pierced by all the sorrows of the world. Who can imagine the force of evil driving his torturers and spirit-tormentors, and how it tore his heart to shreds? He had said to Satan’s henchmen “This is your hour when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53). The full force of evil which had held the world in bondage almost broke him; he even lost the sense of his Father which he had enjoyed all his life. Who can imagine such torment? Who can imagine such courage and tenacity as he opened all of human vileness up to his Father, for the wonderful Father to heal? At the end, he proclaims that the battle is won, and with a loud cry breathes his last. The darkened land was hushed for three hours. The people slunk home deeply disturbed. That night the spirits of the dead roamed the streets. For a while the earth held its breath awaiting a sign of release. That came on Easter morn. He took up his life again, as he had predicted.
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