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The Contemplative Life in the Home
"All those who, according to their rule, lead a secluded life, remote from the din and follies of the world, and who not only assiduously contemplate the divine mysteries and eternal truths and pour out ardent and continual prayers to God that his kingdom may flourish... but who also atone for the sins of other men, still more than for their own, by mortification, prescribed or voluntary, of mind or body - such must be said to have chosen the best part.
...Very many [people] , whether clerical or lay, engaged in an active or semi-active life are contemplatives, not only by being informed by the true spirit of divine contemplation, but also by the attainment of that perfection of prayer."
Donald Attwater, Gen. Editor of "A Catholic Dictionary", New York, The MacMillan Co., 1943, p 127
posted by Holly at 8:55 AM
2 Comments:
"For all those who lead a secluded life, remote from the din and follies of the world..." As Moms, when we are focused on our vocational duties, we too are a bit secluded, because we aren't out chasing the things of the world, but are focusing our heads and hearts on what God asks of us. For those of us who stay at home, our homes are like a semi-cloister. Thus, it is not impossible to live the contemplative life in the home.
"For those who contemplate the divine mysteries and pour out prayers for God's kingdom to flourish..." As mothers, we too pray and ponder God. We too can broaden our intercessions to include not only our families and friends, but the entire world, the conversion and salvation of sinners, and reparation for sin. Thus, it is not impossible to live the contemplative life in the home.
"For those who atone for the sins of other men, still more than for their own..." All that we do and experience, from getting up while still tired to bearing the noise of many children when we'd rather have some quiet - all things can be offered to God, in union with Jesus on the cross, to atone for the sins of the world at this crazy time in history. We have the ooportunity of helping so many others, through the little things we live each day. So it is not impossible to live the contemplative life in the home.
It is all a matter of heart-focus. If we give ourselves over to God, faithfully fulfill our responsibilities, pray from our hearts and offer our sufferings for others, we too can be considered as leading a contemplative life. Our rules help tidy our lives so we can focus on these things, instead of when we will get our laundry done.
So Beautiful.I really want this and believe I can thrive on it.
Thank you
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