“It is I who forgives, it is I who calls, it is I who perfects” (Inner Word).
On our journey of following Christ, we must never forget that it was not we who chose Him, but He who called us (cf. Jn 15:16). This applies not only to priestly and religious vocations, but to each person individually, as echoed in the Lord’s wonderful declaration through the prophet Isaiah: “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is 43:1).
This week’s meditations lead us step by step toward the theme of contemplation.
In our Holy Church, we have a rich mystical tradition that describes the profound encounter between God and the soul and invites us to embark on such a journey. We know of religious orders that devote themselves entirely to contemplative prayer and, in this way, present to God all the concerns and intentions of the Church and the world. They withdraw completely from the world and allow the flame of divine love to burn in their hearts.
Certainly, this is a special vocation that is not meant for everyone. However, the interior journey—such as the path taken by contemplative Carmelites—contains essential aspects for all who wish to deepen their faith. Just as in the world we learn from those who are experts in a particular field, on a spiritual level we can learn from those who have intensely cultivated the interior life.
