504. Meditation

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 504

Ave Maria series

What can a Christian accomplish through meditation?

In meditation a Christian seeks silence so as to experience intimacy with God and to find peace in his presence.  He hopes for the sensible experience of his presence, which is an undeserved gift of grace; he does not expect it, however, as the product of a particular technique of meditation.

Saint Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian.  …..504

“The time-of spiritual desolation, is a time-for being resigned. When a soul begins to cultivate the spiritual life, God usually 'showers' his consolations upon her, to wean her away-from the world; but when he sees her making solid progress, he withdraws his hand to-test her, and to see if she will love and serve him without the reward of sensible consolations. "In this life", as Saint Teresa used to say, "our lot is not to enjoy God, but to do his holy will". And again, "Love of God does not consist in 'experiencing' his tenderness's, but in serving him with resolution and humility". And in yet another place, "God's true lovers, are discovered in times of aridity and temptation".  --Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Meditation can be an important aid to faith that strengthens and matures the human person.  Nevertheless, techniques of meditation that promise to bring about an experience of God, or even the soul’s union with God, are deceptive.  On account of such false promises, many people believe that God has abandoned them just because they do not perceive him.  But God cannot be compelled to show up by particular methods.  He communicates himself to us whenever and however he wishes.

Meditation (from Latin meditor = to practice, think over): Meditation is a spiritual exercise practiced in various religions and cultures in which man is supposed to find his way to himself (and to God).  Christianity recognizes and treasures a variety of meditative practices, but rejects those practices that promise union with God or with the divine as the result of a particular  technique of meditation.

Saint  Alphonse Marie De liguori