Charleston, Merton: Spiritual direction
“One of the funny things about men that women often comment on is that men do not like to stop and ask for directions. When we feel lost in our lives, unsure of what to do, ask for directions: pray. It may not be the first option, but trust me, God will always help you find your way.” Bishop Charleston, daily Facebook messages
Thomas Merton also writes about spiritual direction and meditation and makes specific suggestions of how to meditate in his very short book, Spiritual Direction and Meditation (1960). Merton begins by giving an interesting history of how spiritual direction started when the “desert fathers” went out to find God. They needed a charismatic figure to help mentor them to replace the bishops and presbyters who had become Christ’s representatives.
Merton describes spiritual direction as a continuous process of formation and guidance where a Christian is led and encouraged in his special vocation so that through the Holy Spirit he may attain union with God in all parts of his life.
The ministry of the spiritual director is to verify and encourage what is truly spiritual in the soul.
The director is not to teach his own way but is called to direct souls like an “usher,” leading souls in God’s way, not his own. The directee is asked to share what he or she thinks, really feels, desire, even when these things are not honorable, to reach the core of his being, to find the Holy Spirit deep in himself, to find the freedom to help God create God’s likeness in his own image, and become fully human.
A good director has respect for the mystery of the personality together with common sense, the gift of prayer, patience, experience, and sympathy.
Joanna joannseibert.com