J.M.J.
On Octobber 15, 1989, the Vatican’s Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith released its Letter
to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on Some Aspects of Christian Meditation.
This document, approved by Pope Saint John Paul II and
signed by the Congregation’s Prefect, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, and its
Secretary, Archbishop Alberto Bovone (1922-1998), recognizes that some
Christians, experiencing a “spiritual restlessness arising from a life
subjected to the driving pace of a technologically advanced society,” (2) have
investigated certain Eastern techniques of prayer, seeking “a path to interior
peace and psychic balance.” (ibid.)
Eastern methods of prayer often depart from Christian
principles by “abandoning not only meditation on the salvific works
accomplished in history by the God of the Old and New Covenant, but also the
very idea of the One and Triune God” (12). Instead, inner peace and union with
the Absolute is attained by “immersion ‘in the indeterminate abyss of the
divinity.’” (ibid.)
Contemporary Catholics seeking inner peace need not
dive headlong into Eastern mysticism. A host of Catholic writers has advocated
ways by which spiritual happiness may be realized.
One of the best but perhaps least recognized guides is
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751), a Franciscan friar known for his
preaching in defense of the Immaculate Conception. He offered four “rules” to
help achieve peace of soul.
1. To be attached only to God. Status and wealth may
be beneficial, but to be overly concerned about them is to invite inner
spiritual havoc. The soul’s primary need is communication with its Creator. One
needs to view objects and persons in reference to God and His will if peace is
to reign. To be “dead” to the world and creatures is paramount.
2. To surrender to Divine Providence. All Catholic
spiritual writers are unanimous on this point: sanctity and inner peace are
attained only when God’s will holds sway. The Lord knows best. Humbly accepting
His will is vastly different from reluctantly putting up with it. When a person
yields to the divine plan, he demonstrates a belief that God will sustain
him—come what may.
3. To welcome suffering and hardship. Human nature
tends to resist difficulties. Yet, spiritual perfection entails carrying the Cross
of Jesus. Scorn and rejection from others—while hardly pleasant—must be seen as
an opportunity to experience solidarity with the suffering Christ.
4. To undertake only that which our situation in life
demands. Generosity and the Cardinal Virtue of Prudence dictate what one can
accomplish and in what manner. Inner turmoil may spring from the wrong kind of
activities, even when they are morally good acts. Prayer and counsel will
determine what to undertake and what to forego.
When thousands are turning to Eastern methods of
prayer in search of peace, Catholics should take heed of the advice offered three
centuries ago by this Italian preacher.
Happiness of soul occurs when a person conforms
himself to Christ through acceptance of the Father’s will. Only then may one
experience the peace “not as the world gives” (Saint John 14:27).
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