Friday of 7th Week in Easter
Deacon Robert Banet
All are Called
I’ll be lucky if I squeeze through the Pearly Gates.
You know, Richie, we are all called to holiness.
Well, think that’s okay for priests and nuns but for me, I’m just a lowly peon.
You may be a lowly peon, but the Bible, the Church and the holy doctors say everyone is called to infused contemplation, infused contemplative prayer.
I just don’t see it that way. All that mysticism, mysterious voices, that’s for special people.
Holiness is not an option. St. Teresa if Avila, St. John of the Cross, you know they are universal doctors of the Church. They preach the Gospel.
Come to think of it, Mother Teresa of Calcutta says pretty much the same thing.
Vatican II says we are all called to holiness. We should use vocal prayer, of course but continue to ask God for the gift of infused contemplation.
Infused?
Yes, it’s a gift from the Almighty. St. Teresa says it’s as if His Majesty sits on the edge of His throne, so eager is He to bless those who ask Him. Her married brother Lorenzo achieved contemplative prayer.
That’s an awesome thought.
It’s time to stop thinking of a two-tiered path to heaven. Saintliness is not one path for the cloistered and another for the peons. It’s one single royal road.
Well, you’ve given me something to think about.