Prayer as the Primordial Meaning of Carmel's Existence
People around the world associate the word "Carmelite" with the image of a contemplative soul immersed in prayer, beginning with St. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross from the school of Carmelite mysticism. Today, even active Catholics often ask the apostolically active Carmelite: "But, Father, aren't Carmelites contemplative and in enclosure?" In general perception, a Carmelite is a person with a clear awareness of God and His presence. Even in our contemporary society, which puts mankind and its achievements at the center of interest, people expect Carmelites to be a reflection of God's primacy and divine participation in our lives.
God Himself is the eternal initiative. In a time when, for example, the Christian doctrine of grace is often referred to as "Christian anthropology," Carmel must affirm God’s central position. The new Carmelite Constitutions (1995) express this as follows: "The contemplation of a Carmelite is a 'way in the interior,' stemming from the free initiative of God, who touches and transforms him, leading him to a unity of love with Him and elevating him so that he may perceive and live this undeserved love in His loving presence. It is an experience of God's love, which triumphs in us by transforming us" (Article 17). Contemplation as a free gift from God is not something we deserve or receive automatically whenever we wish. But it can – and should – be prepared through gradual internalization and simplification of prayer in both its usual and new creative forms.
From the very beginning of the order on Mount Carmel, where the style of hermit life had a special emphasis on prayer, prayer and contemplation have remained the pillars of the Carmelite way of life. Although Carmel soon became one of the mendicant orders, it has always maintained its particular emphasis on prayer as part of its primordial meaning of existence. For Carmelites today, this emphasis becomes even more urgent after the Second Vatican Council highlighted prayer as something that should be a central value for all religious. "Therefore, let the members of the societies tirelessly cultivate the spirit of prayer and prayer itself while drawing from the true Christian sources of spiritual life" (1).
What pertains to all religious must therefore be accepted by Carmelites with even greater determination and zeal, since prayer, teaching about prayer, and sharing it with others are among their most intrinsic missions. Although within Carmel there has also been a certain renewal of interest in the hermitic forms of life and prayer, it is still not something common. However, if the Carmelite order wishes to remain faithful to its charism borne within the Church, if it is to be true to the reasons for which it was officially approved, then it must remain faithful to its heritage of prayer, silence, and solitude, which are particularly needed for prayer in its highest forms. Is there anything more that the Church could ask of Carmel?
(1) Perfectae caritatis, Article 6.
Excerpted from the book: Carmel in the Czech Church
Author: Redemptus Valábek, OCarm.
Published by: KNA
