The Center for Contemplative Practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Month: June 2023
RECOMMENDED CONTEMPLATIVE, SPIRITUAL READING LIST FOR LAY CISTERCIANS
I share with you what I myself use. All of these sources are online and are of no cost to you. I offer them in no order of importance, they are all important. When I use the term “spiritual reading,” I always include Holy… Continue Reading “RECOMMENDED CONTEMPLATIVE, SPIRITUAL READING LIST FOR LAY CISTERCIANS”
WONDER IF… I was the Pope, what changes would I make to the Church?
Here is a fanciful topic. For one thing, any changes I make to the Church would have to come from the compendium of life experiences I have accepted as my assumptions in life. I can’t imagine anything worse than designing a Church based on… Continue Reading “WONDER IF… I was the Pope, what changes would I make to the Church?”
WONDER IF… There was no historical Jesus.
The ramifications of wonder dictate that I probe “What If” questions, if for no other reason than to use my reason and intelligence to bolster my Faith. I did and it has. Here are some preliminary observations about a world in which there is… Continue Reading “WONDER IF… There was no historical Jesus.”
WONDER IF… There is or ever was a God?
All kinds of ideas pop up in my Lectio Divina meditations. Here is one that asked myself and the answer that came almost before I stopped asking the question. My answer is, life would go on, but I would still have the spiritual framework… Continue Reading “WONDER IF… There is or ever was a God?”
THIS IS YOUR HERITAGE: Lumen Gentium
What follows is the text of the encyclical on the Church. Use this, as I do, to recommit myself to being more Christ-centered. https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
THE DIVINE EQUATION: The implications of corruptibility for the incorruptibility of the Resurrection.
This excerpt is from my book, The Divine Equation. THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE CORRUPTION OF EVERYDAY LIVING The focus of my thinking these days has been on Original Sin and how humans must live within its parameters, such as death, pain, emotions, and the… Continue Reading “THE DIVINE EQUATION: The implications of corruptibility for the incorruptibility of the Resurrection.”
G.K. CHESTERTON: God’s Curmudgeon
Growing up, Chesterton was one of my favorite characters. I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to add his wit and wisdom to your portfolio contained in your Book of Life. Who is this guy? I recommend the following resources for your spiritual… Continue Reading “G.K. CHESTERTON: God’s Curmudgeon”
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