About this episode

Kris McGregor reflects on St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s teachings on the stages of contemplation and discernment in relation to God's will.

Standing on the Rock – St. Bernard of Clairvaux on the Stages of Contemplation with Kris McGregor About This Episode In this episode of The Spiritual Journey for the Discerning Heart , Kris McGregor reflects on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux’s teaching on the stages of contemplation and what it can teach us about discerning God’s will. St. Bernard begins with a powerful image: before trying to determine where God is leading, “take our stand” on Christ, the solid rock. Discernment begins in relationship with Jesus. From that foundation, the soul learns to listen to what the Lord is saying and to consider how it is being called to respond. Bernard describes the first stage of contemplation as asking what God wants, what is pleasing to him, and what is acceptable in his sight. This requires humility because even sincere prayer can be influenced by our own desires, fears, attachments, expectations, and wounds. The answer is not self-condemnation, but honesty beneath the merciful gaze of God: “Heal me, Lord.” As prayer deepens, Bernard describes another movement. The soul gradually turns from concentrating primarily on itself and its particular circumstances toward contemplating God…

People in this episode

Host: Kris McGregor

Topics covered

• contemplation
• discernment
• spiritual journey
• relationship with Jesus
• humility
• God's will

Keywords

• St. Bernard of Clairvaux
• contemplation
• discernment
• spiritual journey
• God's will
• humility
• prayer

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