Action versus Contemplation

[seeker44]

Do you know of any resources which address the question of Action (e.g., witnessing by being involved in the trenches of the world–giving time, talent, treasure; doing preaching, soup kitchens; visiting the sick; outreach religious vocations–Matthew 25:31-40) versus Contemplation (e.g., concentration on prayer, lectio, meditation, behind-the-grill, cloistered religious vocations–Luke 10:38-42)?

If one feels drawn to prayer and a contemplative life, is he or she being remiss by not going into active ministry, especially since “active christians” use and are nourished by prayer and contemplation in their personal lives as well?

I know that this question has been tossed around for 2,000 years and probably in this forum as well. However, any books, articles, Internet sites, etc., which address the issue will be helpful to me

 

[brigid12]

If one feels drawn to prayer and a contemplative life, is he or she being remiss by not going into active ministry, especially since “active” christians use and are nourished by prayer and contemplation as well?

It would depend on the gifts that God gave you. St. Therese of Liseiux and St. Teresa of Avila were both Carmelite contemplatives, but they certainly lived very different lives! St. Teresa spent years as “only” a contemplative before God had her do more active ministry and that was still as a Carmelite.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Contemplation opens you up to the will of God. It is God who directs our action, whether it be serving the poor in soup kitchens, or just being good parents or whatever.

Franciscans are as much contemplatives as Carmelites.

In all cases, through contemplation in Christ, the heart is transformed, and transformation of the heart is what its all about.

Anyone can serve in a soup kitchen, but it takes the love of Christ within us, to bring His love to those we serve, regardless of where we are called.

Jim