HOW TO MEDITATE AND CONTEMPLATE
ACCORDING TO THE REDEMPTORIST TRADITION.
BRIAN JOHNSTONE, CSSR

          In this paper I will begin with the Constitutions and Statutes.  I will then present St. Alphonsus's  method.   Finally, in order to explain the special character of his approach,  I will offer some background  information on the broader tradition of prayer within which St. Alphonsus developed his own mode.   I have included references to St. Alphonsus's  writings for the use of those who want to study his writing more deeply.

The Constitutions and Statutes.

Constitution 24 tells us:

So as to share truly in the love of the Son for the Father and for people, they will cultivate the spirit of contemplation, which deepens and strengthens their faith. 

This will enable them to see God in the people and in the events of everyday life.  They will see his plan of salvation in its true light, and be able to distinguish between what is real and what is illusory.[1]

The Constitutions and Statutes also mention two other forms of prayer, "meditation" and "mental prayer."  The Constitutions, in the context of formation, require the practice of meditation: "They must constantly give themselves to meditation on the mystery of salvation." (81) There is a similar injunction in the General Statues (056): "The candidates are to be thoroughly trained in how to seek Christ the Redeemer through constant meditation on the word of God, especially the Gospels. . ."  The Constitutions also specifically inculcate "mental prayer:"

In order to participate more deeply and fruitfully in the most holy mystery of the Eucharist and the liturgical life, and to nourish more abundantly their entire spiritual life, the members, both in the religious house and outside, will attach the greatest importance to mental prayer (cf. Matt. 6:6). They will direct it principally to the contemplation of the mysteries of redemption. (31)