The path to divine union

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seanom

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How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
 
I believe it is St. Theresa of Avila who said this is within the capacity of any ordinary
Catholic who wants it. Read material on her.
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
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I think the reason only a minority of Catholics achieve this, is that they are never told about it nor given strategy to undertake it. The Church has vast resources for this, but the average pew-sitter never hears about it.

I’d say a good place to start is to examine the different expressions of prayer (vocal, meditative, and contemplative) as explained in the CCC, 2700-2724.

CCC 2724:
Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery.

Also, have you ever heard of “spiritual direction?” Really excellent SD’s may be hard to find, but if you find one it’s worth the search.

Alan
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
Click to expand...
Isa 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isa 66:2
but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Matt 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart ,
for they will see God.
Ps 25:14
The LORD confides in those who fear him;

Read these passages as something not for the future, but for the present, something God wants with you now.

Though sometimes mystics have recommended certain disciplines in relationship to divine union, most concur with this:
Marriage union with God is a gift that originates simply in His own unsearchable counsel, His own choice. God has His reasons, reasons we may not fully understand: Rom 11:34
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor ?”

There are certain things that must be in order for union with God to occur. Purity of heart, the disposition of the will fully opened to Him, a proper perspective (deep humility), and I would add, a heart that is sensitive to, tuned into Him in anything holy (either suffering or joy) He may want to share with you.

If you deeply crave union with God, this is in itself a gift from God. I will be praying for you.
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
Click to expand...
Purchase the book in my signature. It will answer your questions and it is easy to read. 👍

(Note) I am not the author and get nothing from recommending the book.

Peace
James
 
As much as I long for the union with God, all I can do is to love God and love my neighbors to the best of my ability, to pray and to strive for holiness. I can only leave it to God for any sublime gift he may be willing to give.
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
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I recommend reading the book “Interior Castle” by St Teresa of Avila 🙂 it explains it very well…
 
Keep in mind, Divine Union – or transforming union – is the highest degree of holiness attainable on earth and not for the faint of heart. It is also a GRACE. It’s not something you attain by works or merit, it’s something you are given if God so chooses. 🙂 That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, just REALLY hard! 😃 St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Avila are excellent guides.

Bless you for asking! 👍
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
Click to expand...
live to the best of your will and intention in God’s grace, practicing virtue, keeping close to God in the sacraments, especially frequent reception of communion and regular confession, Mass attendance, daily prayer and reading scripture, perform the duties of your state in life willingly, cheerfully, to the best of your ability without grumbling, actively perform works of mercy, and fast and abstain during the penitential seasons of the Church. Rule #1 for divine union: die in the state of sanctifying grace. Who says it is only a minority of Catholics who achieve this? You are brought into Divine Union by God’s action, not yours. there is no “method” to achieve this or dictate to God when it occurs.
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
Click to expand...
Read these passages as something not for the future, but for the present, something God wants with you now.

Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isa 66:2 but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Ps 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;

Though sometimes mystics have recommended certain disciplines in relationship to divine union, most concur with this: This union with God is a gift that originates simply in His own unsearchable counsel, His own choice. God has His reasons,reasons we may not understand: Rom 11:34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor ?”

Some have received this grace without even knowing there ever even was such a grace! It came to them without their exercising, at least consciously, any of the types of prayer that are generally recommended. There are, however, certain things that must be in order for union with God to occur. Purity of heart, the disposition of the will fully opened to Him, a proper perspective (deep humility), and I would add, a heart that is sensitive to, tuned into Him in anything holy (either suffering or joy) He may want to share with you.

If you deeply crave union with God, this is in itself a gift from God. I will be praying for you.
 
Read these passages as something not for the future, but for the present, something God wants with you now.

Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isa 66:2 but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Ps 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;

Though sometimes mystics have recommended certain disciplines in relationship to divine union, most concur with this: Spiritual union with God is a gift that originates simply in His own unsearchable counsel, His own choice. God has His reasons,reasons we may not understand: Rom 11:34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor ?”

Some have received this grace without even knowing there ever even was such a grace! It came to them without their exercising, at least consciously, any of the types of prayer that are generally recommended. There are, however, certain things that must be in order for union with God to occur. Purity of heart, the disposition of the will fully opened to Him, a proper perspective (deep humility), and I would add, a heart that is sensitive to, tuned into Him in anything holy (either suffering or joy) He may want to share with you.

If you deeply crave union with God, this is in itself a gift from God. I will be praying for you.
 
seanom said:
How do you achieve divine union realisticly?
Why is it that only a minority of faithful catholics achieve this… How do you do this?? I know that there is a path that you go down as you journey toward divine union like illumination, dark night of the soul etc… Do you have any tips on how a regular Joe like me could do this??
Click to expand...
Greetings Seanom,

By walking humbly before Your God in Love and filial Obediene to His Will. He calls all of us into union with Him. One needs to realize that this is a grace as well and to pray for this grace. One needs to live their life disposed for Union with God. One needs to become detached from all things, but God. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all the rest will follow.

Have recourse to the Sacraments. Be mindful of the Presence of God. Pray continously by using short prayer or another form of prayer that you feel is best for you. Realise that everyone is called to Union with God, but how we get there are all different for each of us.
Go to Adoration, sit in His Presence. Do all that you do for Love of God. Remember this is a journey and it takes time to get there, but we can have Union with God right now.

There is a book by Blessed Columbia Marmion called Union With God. It is a relatively short book and is an easy read. Mine is getting tattered because I do lectio divina with it, it helps much to read it. This book was one of Mother Teresa’s favorite book. I would suggest that you read it.

Also spiritual direction would be helpful in this case as well too. I would only caution here that whomever you wish to be your spiritual director follows ALL of the Church’s Teaching.

God bless.
Anathama Sit
 
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