A Contemplative Vocation
Every one of us is called to enter into a grace-filled encounter with God in prayer. The Church teaches us that prayer is the life of the new heart. It is a seeking of Him “whom my soul loves.” The contemplative vocation witnesses in a more radical way to this universal call to the prayer of the heart. St. Teresa of Avila says that “contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us”. So our Carmelite life is arranged to make this life of prayer possible and practical. For we strive to be faithful for the sake of the entire Church. Is the Lord whispering this call in your heart?