Mental Prayer

[InLight247]

No amount of contemplative graces and deep interior union with God in prayer is worth a hill of beans if virtue is lacking.

“If I have the gift of porphecy and with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1Cor 13:2)

With our fallen nature and limited capacity, to love unconditionally is the constant effort one has to struggle. That’s why it is so important to “be with” the one who is LOVE. Only the grace of God’s transformation can possibly help our strive for holiness.

 

[InLight247]

Thus, St. Teresa teaches the pinnacle of the spiritual life is when our prayer and God’s grace transforms us so completely that “Martha” and “Mary” work in perfect harmony in our souls. Note that she doesn’t say we become either Martha or Mary – but both (Interior Castle-7th Dwelling Place).

Yes, Martha and Mary have to work in harmony in our souls, like James said “faith was completed by the works”.(James 2:22) Therefore, immerse ourselves in God’s love, then return the love to God and others.