About this episode

This episode explores the differences between meditation and contemplation in the context of Catholic spirituality.

What’s the difference between meditation and contemplation—and why do Catholics so often confuse them? In this episode of Mysticism, Word by Word , we unpack what the Church means by both, how meditation can open into contemplation, and why dry prayer is still fruitful.

Topics covered

• meditation
• contemplation
• Catholic Church
• prayer
• spirituality

Keywords

• meditation
• contemplation
• Catholic
• dry prayer
• spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Catholics

Books & works: Mysticism, Word by Word

More episodes of St. Anthony's Tongue

• The "Mystical" Body of Christ? | Mysticism, Word by Word · July 20, 2026 · 16 min
• Mass Prep | The Mysticism of Weeds (Matthew 13) · July 17, 2026 · 9 min
• From The Margins | God in the Gutter · July 14, 2026 · 27 min
• [Mass Prep] The Reckless Sower · July 10, 2026 · 12 min
• The Devil Hates Soup: Works of Mercy as Spiritual Warfare · July 9, 2026 · 25 min
• Mass Prep: The Mysticism of Being Little · July 3, 2026 · 28 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the St. Anthony's Tongue podcast page.