Wisdom Roads

Author(s): Lorrence G Muller
Publisher: Continumm New York

Page 84

Edward McCORKELL
L.M.: Many people in the city will hear a lot more noises.
E.M.: That is why I advise people to do contemplative prayer early in the morning.
L.M.: After a good night's sleep.
E.M.: Before the day gets underway, and before you go to work, start the day with contemplative prayer. Make your morning prayers short; take five minutes or so saying the morning offering. Don't attempt to say longer prayers like the whole rosary at that time. You want to devote that first half-hour of the day to contemplative prayer. Actually, you know it's bad that most priests don't get any training in this form of prayer while attending seminary.
L.M.: Do you think they should?
E.M.: They should receive that. And in fact, if I were a bishop, which I'll never be, thanks to God, I would insist on a year of spiritual formation. We have two years of novitiate here at the monastery, and all religious orders provide at least a year. Seminaries aren't doing that. They have two years of philosophy, and four years of theology. They should also have an intensive year spent in spiritual formation. I understand that some bishops are considering this.
L.M.: The bishops, too, ought to be doing contemplative prayer.
E.M.: The laity are the ones who are taking the lead in all this. They seem to be more receptive; they are better disciples. Seminarians are trained to be teachers and preachers, but not disciples.
L.M.: We are all called to be disciples.
E.M.: You could call it an occupational hazard. A teacher is always talking to others and always preaching and teaching.
L.M.: You have been quite involved in the East-West dialogue among Christians and Buddhists, and between Christians and Hindus. How do you
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