Our Mission
We are a center for experiential education, rooted in the Gospels, encouraging the transformation of human consciousness through contemplation, and equipping people to be instruments of peaceful change in the world.
September 2, 2011
Untitled by © Shirin McArthur
Contemplative Prayer
Presence is a relational term, and it implies at least two parties who both give and receive. The “Real Presence” is the Catholic term for Jesus’ presence in the bread and wine, but if we don't know how to be present to another presence there is no Real Presence—for us! There must be an opening from both sides for presence to exercise its transformative effect. What we're doing in contemplation is learning, quite simply, how to be present. That is the only way to encounter any other presence, including Jesus in the Eucharist. The change is all and always on our side. (There really is not much point in arguing about IF and HOW, just be present and you will know what you need to know.)
We know that God is always given from Jesus’ side, but we have to learn how to receive such total givenness. Believe it or not, that is major work on our part, because we are all filled with blockages to pure, naked presence. It is too vulnerable a position.
Adapted from CAC Foundation Set: Gospel Call to Compassionate Action
(Bias from the Bottom) and Contemplative Prayer
(CD, DVD, MP3)
Starter Prayer:
Clear my mind for Your Truth.
If you are inspired by Fr. Richard's Daily Meditations,
please consider receiving both
Radical Grace, the publication of the CAC
and visiting the CAC Mustard Seed Resource Center!
