Contemplative Haven: Hard Work 
Hard Work
Just zip down and re-read the first and last sentence of the quote in the second-to-last post. Then scoot back up here.
You back? The author of The Cloud of Unknowing says that it is in the contemplative work that we are not to consider moderation, that it is in love that we are to take no measure. They are one and the same, the contemplative work and love. But what is this "contemplative work", and why is it "work"?
The contemplative work arises from the desire, God-given, for union with the Lord, and the decision, made on at least a daily basis, to spend time alone with Him in contemplative prayer.
For a layperson, this requires a certain amount of organization and dedication, as we are not entitled to abandon any of the responsibilities of our state in life, even if deeply drawn to contemplative prayer. Furthermore, we are still called to perform the corporal works of mercy, as well as the spiritual. Setting time aside to seek union with the Lord in contemplative prayer before or after all these duties are fulfilled, along with taking care of our families, working, and volunteering, well, it is not very difficult to see why it truly is "work", work done out of love.
What does it require? Each one of us is different, but in general it requires motivation, dedication, generosity, and a willingness to forego some of what other people take for granted as part of their routine. There may be little time for reading fiction, watching television, going to movies, socializing, etc. It's not that these activities are abandoned altogether, but they must be curtailed. In fact, as one progresses in the contemplative life, many unnecessary things seem to fall by the wayside in a very natural, freeing manner.
Oh, and another little thing, hardly even worth mentioning. Sleep. You may get a little less sleep. Just a little. You don't really mind, do you? Oh, and a very sore neck, because the head tends to fall forward (it's physiological), but that'll work itself out, over time, so you won't let that deter you, will you? And, of course, a strong aversion to the sound of the telephone, but you've wanted to rip them out of the walls for a long time now anyway, haven't you?
You back? The author of The Cloud of Unknowing says that it is in the contemplative work that we are not to consider moderation, that it is in love that we are to take no measure. They are one and the same, the contemplative work and love. But what is this "contemplative work", and why is it "work"?
The contemplative work arises from the desire, God-given, for union with the Lord, and the decision, made on at least a daily basis, to spend time alone with Him in contemplative prayer.
For a layperson, this requires a certain amount of organization and dedication, as we are not entitled to abandon any of the responsibilities of our state in life, even if deeply drawn to contemplative prayer. Furthermore, we are still called to perform the corporal works of mercy, as well as the spiritual. Setting time aside to seek union with the Lord in contemplative prayer before or after all these duties are fulfilled, along with taking care of our families, working, and volunteering, well, it is not very difficult to see why it truly is "work", work done out of love.
What does it require? Each one of us is different, but in general it requires motivation, dedication, generosity, and a willingness to forego some of what other people take for granted as part of their routine. There may be little time for reading fiction, watching television, going to movies, socializing, etc. It's not that these activities are abandoned altogether, but they must be curtailed. In fact, as one progresses in the contemplative life, many unnecessary things seem to fall by the wayside in a very natural, freeing manner.
Oh, and another little thing, hardly even worth mentioning. Sleep. You may get a little less sleep. Just a little. You don't really mind, do you? Oh, and a very sore neck, because the head tends to fall forward (it's physiological), but that'll work itself out, over time, so you won't let that deter you, will you? And, of course, a strong aversion to the sound of the telephone, but you've wanted to rip them out of the walls for a long time now anyway, haven't you?
posted by Gabrielle at 11:51 PM
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