David Torkington
If we are beginning a journey upon which our whole future depends, it is of paramount importance to understand exactly where we are going. When we begin to pray seriously, St Teresa of Ávila makes it clear that our destination is what she called the Mystical or Spiritual Marriage.
If we are beginning a journey upon which our whole future depends, it is of paramount importance to understand exactly where we are going. When we begin to pray seriously, St Teresa of Ávila makes it clear that our destination is what she called the Mystical or Spiritual Marriage. The Greek Fathers called this same destination divinization or theosis.
In order to understand the way ahead, imagine a great classical archway that rises on two sides and meets at the centre keystone at the apex of the arch. The left side represents vocal prayer, the right side contemplative prayer that begins with meditation. In a balanced spiritual life, both grow and rise to perfection simultaneously meeting in the keystone which is Christ. Both are essential in an authentic life of prayer, as can be seen in the life of Christ.
We know for a fact that Christ used vocal prayers from his earliest years and continued to use vocal prayer to the end of his life, whilst at the same time being totally engaged in mystical contemplation. We know that he prayed using vocal prayer at least five times a day if not more, with his disciples, at home, at mealtimes, whilst travelling, as well as in the Synagogue and the Temple. However, from the moment he was born into this world, he was in his divine nature totally engaged in contemplating the infinite loving Father who sent him and to whom he would return with as many as would follow him. » Read More
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