Definition of Spiritual Theology
- Spiritual theology can be described in general terms as the application of moral theology to the spiritual lives of individual Christians with a view to leading them to the-perfection of the Christian life.
- Spiritual theology comprises three elements: (1) the psychological data of spiritual experience; (2) the application of theological principles; and (3) practical directives concerning progress in the spiritual life with a view to Christian perfection.
- Askeen (gk). “to practice”, “acquire skill”, “practice virtue”
- Mystikos (gk): “Secret” or “hidden”
- Ascetical theology studies the spiritual life from its beginning to the threshold of infused contemplation; mystical theology treats the stages of infused contemplation, passive purgation, and the transforming union.
- Ascetical theology treats of the purgative and illuminative ways; mystical theology studies the unitive way.
- Vocal prayer, meditation, contemplative prayer
- Struggles in prayer: spiritual dryness
Essential features of Christian Spirituality
- Requires grace, grace is from God → therefore we must be obedient and receptive to God.
- Sanctity is God’s work and it is an invitation to a relationship of love with God.
- Centered on Christ
- “FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM”
False Spiritualties to avoid
- Any spirituality not centered on Christ but is instead centered on self.
- Clings to self-will.
- Superstition, Idolatry, divination and magic, irreligion, atheism, agnosticism. (CCC 2110, CCC 2128)
- In the strict sense of the word, the only authentic spirituality is a spirituality centered in Jesus Christ and through him to the Trinity. This is true not only because created grace, the vital principle of the spiritual life, comes to us only through the mediation of Jesus Christ, but also because those who cultivate the spiritual life must consciously or unconsciously follow the teachings of Christ, regardless of their religious affiliation. Vatican Council II has promulgated this doctrine in the declaration on non-Christian religions:
- The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from her own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men. Yet she proclaims and is in duty bound to proclaim without fail, Christ who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). In him, in whom God reconciled all things to himself (2 Cor 5:18-19), men find the fullness of the religious life.
Synthesis
- The Bible outlines two basic paths or modes of being
- Following your own will selfishly → sin
- Following God’s will → right worship
- Cain and Abel, the Wicked vs. the Righteous.
- Original sin and all subsequent sin are a failure to give right worship to God, a failure to be in communion with God → expressed in Adam and Eve hiding from God and covering themselves.
- God, in response, invites mankind into a series of covenants, to heal his wounded heart and offer him life.
- Jesus is the culmination and perfect offer of God’s love and way to the Father and eternal life.
- He is the way to the perfect communion of love → The Trinity.
- We encounter this most fully and intensely through the Church and the Sacraments → We return to God in this way.
- Because sacrificial love is the basis for true and perfect communion., the entrance into this communion entails a pass over, a kind of death, a giving and emptying of self.
- Introduction to Christianity – p. 190.
- Passing over into Christ → becoming conformed to his cross by embracing your cross.
- This is, in summary, what the Christian spiritual life is about. It is a “Passover.”
- True communion requires you to bring your entire self into that communion. The whole person must be brought into communion → specifically flaws, weaknesses, vulnerabilities.
- Must act against the tendency of putting up a mask or fig leaf as Adam and Eve did.
- Christ Crucified as the solution to the tension we experience.
How can you live this practically?
- Prayer → conforming to God’s will.
- Spiritual reading (scripture, lives of the saints), examination of conscience, confession.
- Spiritual direction, holy friendships.
- Spiritual works of mercy
- Instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, comfort the sorrowful, forgive injuries, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the living and the dead.
- Corporal works of mercy
- Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit prisoners, bury the dead.
- Attending mass → participating in the living memorial of THE Passover.
As a newly initiated Catholic
- View evangelization as → a beggar telling another beggar where there is bread.
- The Catholic faith is the fullness of Truth but be careful not to abuse it. Always be guided in the Spirit of Truth and Love.
- Comfort and console those struggling in their faith → offer the wisdom and understanding that you have gained after having gone through the process.
The Soul’s Journey into God – St. Bonaventure - Closing