Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis
de Ponte SJ
Chapter 1 – Section 3a – Of intellectual consideration
This oblation ought immediately to be followed by a 3rd
act, which is the elevation of the mind to the consideration of things which
are necessary to speak worthily with God. Those who are just beginning to
ascend the ladder of prayer often find great difficulty on this point. Some,
because they do not know how to meditate or discourse with the understanding as
they desire to do; others incline to the opposite extreme and give the rein to
curiosity in their considerations, and by this excess suffocate their
affections, leaving no room for colloquies.
It is necessary to warn both classes that meditation and
discourse are not the substance of prayer, but only the means or steps by which
we reach it.
Consequently, our reasoning ought not to be made after
the manner of those who strive to investigate some truth, but rather as those
who seek to speak with God and become more pleasing to Him.
The tongue of the spirit, says St Thomas [S. Th., I, Q.
i. c. 7. art 1], is the understanding, and its words, good thoughts directed to
God, who understands them: mediation made in this way is much easier and more
fruitful.
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