I have a couple of questions

[phoooiee]

What are the differences between a Dominican and a Jesuit?

Also, I am confused about contemplative prayer. What is the difference between having a contemplative vocation and just being called to contemplation? Is everyone eventually called to contemplative prayer regardless of specific vocation?

 

[GEddie]

What are the differences between a Dominican and a Jesuit?

2 different religious orders. Dominicans trace back to Saint Dominic (ca. AD1000?); while the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) were founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 1500s. Each has its own pattern of spirituality.

Also, I am confused about contemplative prayer. What is the difference between having a contemplative vocation and just being called to contemplation? Is everyone eventually called to contemplative prayer regardless of specific vocation?

A contemplative vocation means that you are called to enter a religious community of comtemplatives; being called to contemplation simply means you are meant to engage in contemplative prayer, without necessarily leading to the vowed life. One can engage in contemplative prayer while remaining in “the world” although it may, or may not, be more difficult.

Is everybody called to contemplation? I don’t know and, if so, I am failing in this respect. I have no motivation whatsoever to silence my mind; too deathly-like for me!

ICXC NIKA.

 

[vee8]

As for contemplative prayer Mother Angelica puts it like this. Imagine you are looking at a beautiful sunrise or sunset and you think oooh that is so beautiful thank you God for this sunset. There you just did contemplative prayer so its not that hard and we can all do it. A contemplative vocation means they do no outside apostolic work but rather their work is a bit more intangible or sublime consisting of prayer mixed with daily chores. Raymond Arroyo from ewtn explains the contemplative vocation this way when people ask him what do Mother Angelica and the nuns do all day (they are cloistered Poor Clares) and why arent they out helping the poor. He says you know when you cross the street and that car doesnt hit you? Thats what they do. Of course any apostolic vocation such as what
the Missionaries of Charity do needs a solid base of prayer.

 

[phoooiee]

Thanks all for the responses!

I am asking because I believe I have a Dominican vocation- I’m married so this would be to the lay Dominicans- but I also feel drawn to contemplative prayer and mysticism. Is there any reason why a need for, and drawing toward, contemplative prayer would be inconsistent with a Dominican vocation?

Also, I have a hard time understanding what the Jesuits do exactly.

 

[Nowhere_Man]

Thanks all for the responses!

I am asking because I believe I have a Dominican vocation- I’m married so this would be to the lay Dominicans- but I also feel drawn to contemplative prayer and mysticism. Is there any reason why a need for, and drawing toward, contemplative prayer would be inconsistent with a Dominican vocation?

Also, I have a hard time understanding what the Jesuits do exactly.

They are mostly in scholastic areas such as teaching, running schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries. They are also well-known for giving retreats, hospital and parish ministry, promoting justice and ecumenical dialogue.