W
William777
Guest
Greetings Everyone:
After getting many good responses from my first question, I wanted to try to further the thought, so I wanted to post a tangential question to those on Meditation and Contemplation.
The term “emptying” came up a number of times. This term comes from Phillipians 2:5, when Christ is said to have “emptied” himself - taking on the form of a slave. In Greek the word for this emptying is “kenosis”. What I am wondering about now is how kenosis (emptying) comes into play during meditative and contemplative prayer. In other words, how do I empty myself, while going through the motions of a discursive meditation or an active contemplation.
The answer I am seeking is a Catholic answer (not like the Buddhist sense of emptiness, nor a psychological catharsis), and I am looking more for a practical sort of prayer application of kenosis.
I realize this may be hard to describe, especially if one ventures into mystical areas of infused contemplation, but the idea of a kenosis is something I’m trying to understand in action.
Christ’s kenosis could be concretely seen in his shedding blood, which literally emptied and poured forth from his body - or it might be more invisibly understood as when the Holy Spirit poured out a portion of itself upon us at Pentecost. But - as a mere mortal and devout Catholic individual - how can I affect a kenosis in imitation of Christ? I dont think I could endure a crucifixion, nor do I think I am called to, but there must be something.
Also, does kenosis “feel” a certain way in prayer? Either like joyful as in a warm sharing vulnerability? Or maybe abrasive and heavy indifference like the wood of the cross? Or like a relief from letting go?
I am looking for more of a spiritual, less pedantic answer here, so perception of both thoughts and feelings are welcome.
Blessings,
wm
After getting many good responses from my first question, I wanted to try to further the thought, so I wanted to post a tangential question to those on Meditation and Contemplation.
The term “emptying” came up a number of times. This term comes from Phillipians 2:5, when Christ is said to have “emptied” himself - taking on the form of a slave. In Greek the word for this emptying is “kenosis”. What I am wondering about now is how kenosis (emptying) comes into play during meditative and contemplative prayer. In other words, how do I empty myself, while going through the motions of a discursive meditation or an active contemplation.
The answer I am seeking is a Catholic answer (not like the Buddhist sense of emptiness, nor a psychological catharsis), and I am looking more for a practical sort of prayer application of kenosis.
I realize this may be hard to describe, especially if one ventures into mystical areas of infused contemplation, but the idea of a kenosis is something I’m trying to understand in action.
Christ’s kenosis could be concretely seen in his shedding blood, which literally emptied and poured forth from his body - or it might be more invisibly understood as when the Holy Spirit poured out a portion of itself upon us at Pentecost. But - as a mere mortal and devout Catholic individual - how can I affect a kenosis in imitation of Christ? I dont think I could endure a crucifixion, nor do I think I am called to, but there must be something.
Also, does kenosis “feel” a certain way in prayer? Either like joyful as in a warm sharing vulnerability? Or maybe abrasive and heavy indifference like the wood of the cross? Or like a relief from letting go?
I am looking for more of a spiritual, less pedantic answer here, so perception of both thoughts and feelings are welcome.
Blessings,
wm