A Roman Catholic Site - How Can We Come to Know God?

[Solo]

An article by Jacqueline Galloway entitled "Contemplation--A Treatise on Mysticism" can be located at http://www.ecatholic2000.com/pray/prayer2.shtml

This site is posted on an Online Roman Catholic site called e-Catholic 2000. I find it interesting that this article gives a NEW AGE direction for those seeking God, instead of giving the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Also no mention of the Word of God exists to guide individuals to know God. An except of the article follows:

• --How Can We Come to Know God?
  
  : It is through self knowledge that we enter the world of contemplation. There are no college degrees or prerequisites. Nor is it mandatory to dissect the wisdom in the classic books written by the masters of contemplation, St. Theresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross, we need only to listen to the director of our soul, God. The works of the mystics are a fine means of study and comparison, but we are not dependent on any exact pattern.
  
  When we relax, listen, are still and let go, God speaks to us. "He alone will map the individual course to lead us to the still waters of contemplation."3
  
  In order to understand what Christian contemplation is, it is prudent to realize what it is not. It is not a theory learned from a text , it is not meditation. It is not a theology, a ritual, or learning through natural knowledge. It is not metaphysical or arising out of effects. It is not philosophy, nor a form of escapism, Zen, Yoga or oriental. It is not weird physics and above all, it is not magic or the occult. It cannot be produced by hypnosis or by using drugs. Finally, it is not locutions,4 ecstacies,5 visions,6 or the levitations,7 found in the lives of some of the greatest mystical saints. Mystical saints warn us against such consolations or phenomena. We are to seek the God of consolation--not the consolations of God.8
  
  The act of contemplation is very simple, subtle, supernatural, loving, pure, divine, and very deep. It is as a ray of darkness that gives light.
  
  There are three signs that will direct us to contemplation, assuming that true self-knowledge is present (It always helps to have a wise, discerning Spiritual Director):[list:a6f0a]
  1. No longer is meditation (which was once helpful) enjoyable.
  2. Attentiveness to meditation is impossible.
  3. There is a pleasure just being alone with God.

Acknowledging these three signs, with the coordination of a few efforts, just as one might prepare for an athletic competition, the door to contemplation can be opened.

Article Notes:

1. Christian Mysticism-The Art of the Inner Way, William McNamara, OCD., Amity House 1981
2. What St. John Vianney (patron of priests) said an old peasant man replied when asked what it was he said as he sat gazing at the tabernacle for hours daily. [/*:m:a6f0a]
3. The Eternal Mystic-St. Teresa of Avila by: Joseph Glynn, OCD., Vantage Press 1982 [/*:m:a6f0a]
4. Locution: Supernatural communication beyond laws of nature. [/*:m:a6f0a]
5. Ecstacy: Supernatural state where senses are suspended & external sensations cannot interrupt. [/*:m:a6f0a]
6. Visions: Supernatural perception of something not visible naturally. [/*:m:a6f0a]
7. Levitation: Body being raised & suspended without support& external sensations cannot influence. [/*:m:a6f0a]
8. The Eternal Mystic-St. Teresa of Avila by: Joseph Glynn, OCD., Vantage Press 1982 [/*:m:a6f0a]
9. Ibid [/*:m:a6f0a]
10. Based on a lecture by: Thomas Keating, OCS., Printed in Review for Religious Vol.37 1978[/*:m:a6f0a]

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[D46]

I read somewhere where Anne Katherine Emmerich, who wrote "The Delorous Paassion...." was a mystic also and could levitate herself. I also read where she lived off the eucharist for the last years of her life. She was the one who "inspired" Mel Gibson, or so he said. I guess she's in granite now since she was beatified back in 2004. :roll: The New Age Movement has been around longer than we think. It's just manifested itself more in these later times.

 

[Solo]

I read somewhere where Anne Katherine Emmerich, who wrote "The Delorous Paassion...." was a mystic also and could levitate herself. I also read where she lived off the eucharist for the last years of her life. She was the one who "inspired" Mel Gibson, or so he said. I guess she's in granite now since she was beatified back in 2004. :roll: The New Age Movement has been around longer than we think. It's just manifested itself more in these later times.

Ever since the ole devil lied to Eve, the NEW AGE religion has been headed up by him. It is no different then as it is now, except now Eve would have had to eat the Eucharist after the apple for salvation. :wink:

 

[D46]

:-D Unleavened bread-not cookie dough.