COLUMN ON CHRISTIAN MEDITATION: A CAT SET AMONG PIGEONS (Letters published in 'NZ Catholic', Dec 2013)

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO COMMENTS on my November NZ Catholic column on Christian Meditation on this blog, with NZC readers it would seem something of a cat set among pigeons. Only very rarely does the paper receive four letters on the same topic (all taking exception) and I’m told there was a fifth – unpublished - describing me as ‘superior and mocking’.

If the cap fits, I guess I have to wear it, and my thanks go to all these correspondents. Here are their contributions:

***

MEDITATION

I was distressed to read Julia du Fresne’s somewhat acerbic dismissal of the practice of Christian Meditation (NZ Catholic, Nov 17).

Certainly, the Carmelite tradition is ancient and praiseworthy, but it does not appeal to everyone, myself included. Personally, I prefer the more simple approach of the Benedictine tradition, into which the current practice, which is promoted by Benedictine priest Laurence Freeman, fits.

The point is that anything that helps a person open his/her heart and life to God is laudable and to be encouraged. In terms of our relationship with God, every person is an individual.

                                                                                Kilian V de Lacy,

Waitangirua, Wellington.

 

MEDITATION 2

How sad that Julia du Fresne, one of your regular contributors, joined meditation ‘to support people wanting deeper prayer’.

Had she gone along to let God within her, have the time to change her and bring her to her total potential, she might still be meditating and encouraging others to give it a go.

Jacqui Driscoll,

Orewa.

***

AND THEN, IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE:

I read Julia du Fresne’s critical description of Christian meditation with disappointment, mostly because she seems to have missed the point of the discipline altogether.

Meditation is not about the repetition of a word. Rather, the repetition of a word is a tool to help the human mind avoid distraction so that attentiveness to God’s presence within can be achieved.

Months before I’d even heard of CM, I had discerned that wordy prayers were somewhat pointlless, given that God already knew my every thought, word and deed. Thankfully, my desire for a way to attend in prayer was answered by the introduction of CM into my parish. I have no expectations at all – it’s not about me. That is the point. It’s not about getting God’s attention but giving God my attention.

If the rather fanciful concept of Hindu monks developing meditation alongside the Desert Fathers and Mothers is just too bizarre, I suggest Julia goes back in the Christian tradition to a man named Jesus, who is frequently reported to have withdrawn to ramain alert and in prayer.

It would be a terrible shame if Julia’s opinion turned even one person away from a form of prayer that focuses solely upon our Creator God, heals wounded souls and brings Jesus’ own brand of love into homes and communities.

Damian Robertson,

Manurewa, Auckland.

MEDITATION II

Julia du Fresne might like to choose a word which is sacred to her, and when sitting quietly just allow that word to gently draw her thoughts back from their roaming into her past, or leaping forward in plans and ideas for her future.

Nothing more than that simple and gentle returning to her chosen prayer word is needed to assist her in ‘leaving self behind’. If she has some beautiful experience during meditation, by all means enjoy it, but don’t try to grasp and possess it.

In giving herself to God in this way morning and evening for 30 minutes she will find it is not during meditation that she receives the fruits of this discipline but, in time, this way of prayer will enrich her whole life. (A deepening understanding and joy in other ways of prayer; for example, praying the Scriptures, is just one of the many fruits you will discover.)

And should Julia choose to attend a meditation group, she will find that it is the shared silent prayer that strengthens fidelity to this daily prayer practice.

This is an ancient Christian way of prayer. It is Christ centred.

May the love and peace of Christ be with Julia always.

Raewyn Blair,

Athenree, Katikati.