YOUCAT Question n. 504 - Part I. What can a Christian accomplish through meditation?
(Youcat
answer) In meditation a Christian seeks silence so as to experience intimacy
with God and to find peace in his presence. He hopes for the sensible
experience of his presence, which is an undeserved gift of grace; he does not
expect it, however, as the product of a particular technique of meditation.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 2705)
Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how
of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is
asking. The required attentiveness is difficult to sustain. We are usually
helped by books, and Christians do not want for them: the Sacred Scriptures,
particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season,
writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of
creation, and that of history--the page on which the "today" of God
is written.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Meditation can be an important aid to faith
that strengthens and matures the human person. Nevertheless, techniques of
meditation that promise to bring about an experience of God, or even the soul’s
union with God, are deceptive. On account of such false promises, many people
believe that God has abandoned them just because they do not perceive him. But
God cannot be compelled to show up by particular methods. He communicates himself
to us whenever and however he wishes.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 2706)
To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with
ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from
thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover
in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern
them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the light:
"Lord, what do you want me to do?".
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