"The Contemplative life is a form of the Christian life in which we endeavor to live not only FOR God, but also WITH God. It is not restricted to religious, but can be lived perfectly in the world. This life is wholly centered on the quest for divine intimacy, to attain which it calls for repeated spiritual exercises throughout the day.
Prayer occupies the first place in the contemplative life. Practically, the contemplative life is the life of prayer. Hence, contemplative Orders devote much time to prayer.
Carmelites give themselves to many pious exercises: they make mental prayer twice daily, assist at Holy Mass, recited the Divine Office, and apply themselves to the Presence of God throughout they day."
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I wonder if there was ever a time more challenging than ours, in which to live the contemplative life in the world! We have so many distractions, and so many noisy gadgets -- like cell phones sometimes ringing even during the Consecration at Mass, or in the adoration chapel.
BTW, I love the new layout of your blog. All the little birds are so precious! I'd love to have stationery like that.
Do you have a post anhywhere on your blog about your love for birds?
The other morning, I was lying awake at dawn listening to all the chirping going on outside my bedroom. And I thought: how tender and charming and delightful of God to awaken us each morning with such sweet and gentle little voices.
Of course, I don't live on a farm! I suppose God thought those good folks could handle a more "earthy" wake-up song. : )
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