The Cornerstone #39: St. John the Apostle

Ave Maria!

In this episode, Fr. Maximilian continues to reflect on the role of Mary in our spiritual lives. Who is the model of contemplation at Calvary? It is the beloved disciple, John the Apostle. St. John contemplated the Word made flesh; he laid his head against the breast of Christ at the institution of the Holy Eucharist; and he witnessed the lance piece the heart of the same Christ on Mt. Calvary.

Fr. Maximilian uses St. John as a model to discuss the two forms of contemplative prayer: acquired contemplation and infused contemplation. Acquired contemplation, or the prayer of quiet, involves a simple, silent union with God, and Father uses St. Theresa of Avila to illustrate this phase. Infused contemplation is prayer that is totally given from above and engages all of our faculties: memory, intellect, and will.

[Again, we apologize for the glitch at the end of the recording. We suggest that you just close your eyes and listen to Father's wonderful words. It's not worth missing!]

Ave Maria!