Day NINE: Contemplation in Action

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Text from the Cardinal:

The Missionaries will be well convinced if they have faith: they know that no supernatural work can be done properly, and bear fruit, except by the grace of God. They also know that the grace of God is only obtained through prayer. Now, in our little Society, it must be said with regret and trembling, that we act and move around very much, but we pray too little. Undoubtedly, activity is indispensable to the Missionary, and it is not permissible for him to give as much time to prayer as do the members of penitential or contemplative Orders. However, at least it is necessary, while some and most fight in the plain, while others always raise supplicating hands on the mountain. (A2.174).

Prayer, the spirit of prayer, is the soul of the novitiate, and it can be said with truth that everything else depends on it. All Christians are commanded to pray and pray unceasingly. Now, how much more urgent is this obligation for those who have left the world to consecrate themselves to God and to prepare themselves to establish God’s reign in souls? It can be said that prayer is the breathing of their hearts and that it is as necessary to novices as air is necessary to the life of their body. Now, just as their body would perish if it were deprived of air, so their souls would wither and march to their deaths if they were not refreshed and nourished by prayer. (I.241-242).

Reflection:

For Cardinal Lavigerie, prayer, the spirit of prayer, is the soul of the novitiate, and it can be said with truth that everything else depends on it. he productivity of his overflowing activity came from his union with God, which expressed itself in a daily spirituality that he safeguarded through thick and thin. Rising at four o’clock in the morning, he took a long time in prayer and celebrated the Eucharist before starting his working day at seven o’clock. He also took time for prayer in the evening. (R.476). He had an intense devotion to the Sacred Heart, to Mary, Our Lady of Africa, so dear to his heart, and to Saint Joseph. He was impressive with his deep contemplation when he presided over a liturgical celebration. He insisted that the Missionaries engaged in the depths of Africa always keep the Blessed Sacrament nearby and go there several times a day (I.25).

Intention:

“A Missionary is a contemplative in action.” (John Paul II). We pray that our apostolic life may flow from and be rooted in a life of prayer and communion with our Lord Jesus Christ.