CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 8 of 12)

On Suffering   I think the Lord Jesus has in store for me, before I die, for my complete mortification and purification and in order to admit me to his everlasting joy, some great suffering and affliction of body and spirit. Well, I accept everything and with all my heart, if it is for his glory and the good of my soul and for the souls of my dear spiritual children. I fear my weakness in... Read More

Why not integrate teachings of other religions with Catholic spirituality?

Q: Dear Father John, The Church has clearly taught that there is truth and good in other religions – so why then is it a problem to integrate the truths found in prayer traditions outside of Christianity with Christian prayer methods? A: This is a great question, especially for today’s world, in which religious tolerance is spoken about by so many different groups (though not all) as a universal... Read More

I am concerned about avoiding New Age influence in my spriritual reading program, can you help?

Q: Dear Dan, I was inspired by Fr. John’s post on spiritual reading a while back. A friend has recommended “The Cloud of Unknowing” to me but I am worried about slipping into Catholic books that claim to be Catholic but that promote New Age thought through centering prayer and mixing Catholic prayer with non-Christian prayer teachings. Anyway, I wanted to get your advice on... Read More

The Vatican on Christian Meditation and Prayer

Though a complete understanding of this document requires education in Church history and mystical and ascetic theology – on its face it clearly addresses many current popular teachings on prayer that should be of concern to every Catholic who seriously desires to deepen their understanding of what it means to truly engage with God. This document is a profound summary of true Christ-centered... Read More

Is there anything good about Centering Prayer?

Q: Dear Dan, I know that you are not a fan of Centering Prayer. I did read the document you posted from the Vatican and I think I see the problems, at least from the standpoint of what I was taught. Still, isn’t there some good in centering prayer? For instance, isn’t it good to sit still, breathe slowly so you can relax etc.? I have experienced a great deal of good from this practice... Read More

My spiritual director has recommended centering prayer, what should I do?

Q: Dear Dan, I have recently sought the guidance of a Spiritual director which I would say was greatly influenced by your and Fr. John’s suggestions. My concern is that my Spiritual Director has suggested Centering Prayer. I’d appreciate it if you can share your thoughts on that. Thanks. A: First things first – I am greatly encouraged by your steps toward deepening your faith... Read More

Should I attempt to shut-down or quiet my mind during prayer?

Q: Dear Saint Teresa, I have read a number of books on prayer that advocate methods of suppressing, shutting down, or eliminating thinking all together during prayer. Do you recommend this approach? A: I cannot understand how the mind can be stopped. There is no way of doing so without bringing about more harm than good. For my part,  those in favor of stopping the mind have never given me an... Read More

What does the Vatican say about Centering Prayer?

Q: Has the Vatican ever addressed the topic of Centering Prayer or the teachings commonly held by those who advocate or practice Centering Prayer? A: Yes, the approach to prayer commonly referred to “Centering Prayer” has been formally and specifically addressed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (we provide the text of this important document below). Here’s... Read More

Time for God – Book Recommendation

Someone once said that true genius is not in understanding complexity but in the ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms that anyone can understand. Father Jacques Philippe accomplishes in a very short easy read what most require volumes to explore and explain about the spiritual life, and specifically the life of prayer. Father Philippe begins this fantastic book by laying the... Read More

Finding a spiritual director – watch out for confused sheep…

Foundational to any sound spiritual direction is the idea that there actually is a tangible direction to discover.  That is, the practice presumes that spiritual truth is an expression of objective reality – just as objective and real as a map of your own hometown.  For instance, if you asked someone to give you directions to the Cathedral and you ended up at the town dump, you would... Read More

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