An Interview with a Lay Catholic Contemplative

Vivificat ^ | July 12, 2009 | Posted by Teófilo de Jesús

[GonzoII]

Folks, I want to share with you an interview I conducted with a lay Catholic Contemplative Catholic person I know. The contemplative person asked me not to protect his/her anonymity for reasons that will be immediately stated. I hope you find the interview, if not edifying, at least informative.

Good morning! Please, state your name for the record.

You know, I would rather not.

Why not?

Well, because I don’t want to attract attention to myself at church or at my secular job and I want to avoid misunderstandings. My fellow parishioners, coworkers, and neighbors may not know how to react to a “mystic” in their midst. The increased attention may also tempt my vanity and Lord knows that I need to make a lot of progress cultivating the virtue of humility. So let’s leave my name out of it.

OK, I will respect that. So you are a “mystic”?

Well, I used that word because that’s both the theological technical word as well as the popular term to refer to my “thing”. But I also shy away from the word “mystic” because in our popular context it gives rise to misunderstandings. Like with the word “metaphysics,” the word “mystic” has been tied to New Age mumbo-jumbo and emptied of its rational contents. I would prefer “person of prayer” or “contemplative.” Then again, I would rather be called “a normal Christian” because this is the life we Christians are called to live, a life of prayer.

What do you mean by this connection between being a “normal Christian” and living a “life of prayer.”

I mean that all Christians are called to pray, and to pray with intensity, to engage with God in a constant conversation.

[GonzoII]

[marron]

I would prefer “person of prayer” or “contemplative.” Then again, I would rather be called “a normal Christian” because this is the life we Christians are called to live, a life of prayer. What do you mean by this connection between being a “normal Christian” and living a “life of prayer.” I mean that all Christians are called to pray, and to pray with intensity, to engage with God in a constant conversation.

Yes.

[zorro8987]

////quote//// The contemplative person asked me not to protect his/her anonymity //// unquote////

I think - You meant to say that this person asked you TO protect his/her anonymity?

[zorro8987]

Enjoyed the part about Buddhism - Very good.

[GonzoII]

My pleasure.

[Teófilo]

Wow, Gonzo, thank you for the crosspost!

-Theo

[GonzoII]

"Wow, Gonzo, thank you for the crosspost!"

Any article found by me regarding "Contemplatives on Main Street" will be duly posted!!

[Teófilo]

And when you do, please ping me. Thanks! -Theo