For Contemplation | Radical Catholicism | Back to the Basics

Talk to Me

The young bride whispered into her husband’s ear, “Talk to Me,” only to receive a response of, “What do you want to talk about?” Exasperated she would begin to talk constantly to him, regardless of the fact that he barely listened to her ramblings. Over the years she grew to understand that her man, the one she dearly loved, was not a talkative communicator, but rather a “get to the point” or “what is the bottom line” type guy. She grudgingly adapted to his style of communicating; relatively short, precise conversations, punctuated with a minimum of details. It was such a challenge for her that, on some occasions, she would demand her loved one to “sit down and listen to all the gory details.” He would dutifully obey this command….just as long as it was rather infrequent. The two lovers learned to effectively converse in several different ways – it may be a look across the room which shouts, “I love you” or a light touch of approval on the shoulder that transferred a feeling only the two them felt and understood. Over the years of dating and then marriage, the couple developed a style of communication and love that fit both of their personalities and requirements.

Human conversations and other types of communication lead to a deeper understanding of others. Fortunately, the gift of communication is not limited to humans. God invites us to frequently commune with Him. The saints have advised us to “pray always.” Prayer is man’s communication vehicle with God. As important as is his communication with fellow humans, man must emphasize and use his essential communication links with God. These links, especially prayer, are of paramount importance and are not to be ignored. “He who fails to pray does not cheat God. He cheats himself” is a mantra of many saints.

Let us make note of that which is not prayer. “Genuine prayer is never “good works,” an exercise, or pious attitude, but it is always the prayer of a child to a Father.” Good works are just that – good works and are an essential part of living a Christian life. However, they are not prayers.

St. Therese of Lisieux described prayer as “simply a raising of the heart towards Heaven, an expression of love and gratitude in the midst of trial, as well as in times of joy; in a word, it is something noble and supernatural expanding my soul and uniting to God.” The Catholic Catechism states that “the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of the thrice-holy God and in communion with him.” Simply stated, prayer is the heart of man meeting God.

Is prayer really necessary or important? Absolutely, “As breath is to the body, prayer is to the soul.” Jesus often prayed and for extended periods of time. Mary the Mother of God advises us to pray frequently. Then one may ask, “How does one pray best to God?” Another way to pose this question is, “What are the components of prayer”? Prayer has several components including the following.

Firstly, an open and loving heart. No self- righteousness or disdain for others is compatible with prayers to God. Open the prayer with a request for forgiveness of all one’s sins, thus helping to remove barriers between you and God.
Secondly, quietness (silence) within the mind and heart, free from external thoughts and concerns. Make your prayer truly a personal and intimate encounter with God. Keep in mind that you are conversing with the author of love.
Thirdly, be in a conversational mode, listen to God. A conversation is a two way experience. Do not prattle on and on without taking time to listen to God. He will answer your prayer, but will you listen for it?

Remember the anticipation, the beating of the heart with joyful expectation, which you experienced as you waited to see and talk with your loved one. Then take time to consider the love and joy one can receive from a conversation with the author of all love. Oh wow, think about it; the all-consuming Love is available to each one of us! Enjoy a conversation with God; talk with Him. Pray always….Always!

Suggested reading:

“The Story of A Soul” by St. Therese of Lisieux, TAN Books and Publishing

“The Rosary” by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. , Ignatius Press

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/ An extensive list of prayers.

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/ More discussion about prayers

DESPAIR or HOPE A Choice

He had it all….great wealth, fame, possessions, the admiration of many, the attention and embrace of many women, the thrill of revitalizing old industries and the creation of new enterprises, a contributor of millions of dollars to charitable causes. Observers would call his life a full and successful one, despite failures in his marriages and some enterprises. Yes, he had done it all! Yet as he approached the age at which he knew the end of his life would be coming, he was uncomfortable and even dispirited as it dawned upon him that all his accomplishments might actually be meaningless in the end. Was his inevitable death really the end? There must be something more. A sense of despair began to enter into his consciousness. Frustrated, although he moaned about death, he feared and trembled more about the sense of nothingness after death.

The despair he was beginning to experience and which was haunting him was not the despair of the average man, who despairs over financial or family issues. His despair was deeper and far more worrisome than the despair about money or other material items. His despair was about the onrushing entrance into nothingness….the end of everything, no new challenges to overcome, no successes, just nothing. There was no hope in his life for anything after death. His despair was becoming more all-encompassing each day. “Why isn’t there more?” he agonized.

His frustration grew as he contemplated the millions of people who felt no despair as death marched towards them. So many seemed to have hope for the life after death; for them death was not the end but only a new beginning. He tried to dismiss the religious among them as superstitious or stupid or having been sold a lie. Yet he knew differently; many of those religious individuals were very intelligent, perceptive, and reasonable people. They all had one thing in common….Hope, a hope for a fulfilling future after death, a union with God. The hope that he witnessed in his religious acquaintances was a rock solid certainty, a guarantee that God’s promises will be fulfilled. The promise would be God Himself and the guarantor of this promise is the risen Christ.

Although he would not allow himself to believe in God, yet so many people did believe in the divine. Were they correct in their belief in God and the hope for eternal life? Such a thought was contrary to his core belief system. Yet was it not possible or, even likely, that so many people are correct in their belief in the existence of loving, eternal God? Was their hope for the future well founded? Could he move himself to actually believe in God? Was faith in God possible for him? If he answers yes, then he has begun his journey to a new life. If the answer is no, then despair is the victor and hope is rejected….and nothingness is his future. The choice is his.

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Talk to Me

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Despair or Hope A Choice

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