Apostles of Mercy

FAITH IN GOD'S SILENCE IN OUR LIVES

In our spiritual lives, there are times when we feel as though God is silent. These moments can be confusing and challenging for us. We often wonder, “Why can’t I hear God?” We may even feel abandoned or alone. However, the silence we experience can be a time for reflection, growth, and deeper faith. It reminds us that God’s presence doesn’t always come with a loud voice or visible signs. Instead, it can be in the stillness that we find our strength and connection to Him. Silence encourages patience and helps us focus on trusting God, even when we don’t hear Him. We are invited to lean on the promises of His Word during these times, as His silence may be an invitation to grow closer to Him rather than a sign of distance.

 

The Carmelite Friars of the Divine Mercy

As the "Apostles of Mercy", we are men than decide to donate our lives to God living in a contemplative community. Our Lord calls us by our names and as Samuel we respond: "Here I am, Lord".

  1. Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience: The Friars take these vows to dedicate their lives to God and community.
  2. Community Living: Monastic life emphasizes living in a community, sharing resources, and supporting one another.
  3. Prayer and Liturgy: Daily prayer, including the Liturgy of the Hours, is central to our monastic life, fostering spiritual growth.
  4. Work and Service: The friars will engage in manual labor and service to support their community and the Church.
  5. Study and Contemplation: Our life includes time for study, reflection, and deepening one's relationship with God.
  6. Silence and Solitude: We encourage periods of silence and solitude for personal reflection and prayer.

 

Our Personal Call to Religious Life

"What is God's will in my life?"

"How do I find happiness and fulfillment in my life?"

"What is the ultimate purpose of my existence?"

"How will I know that God is calling me to live the religious life as a priest, brother, or sister?"

An inherent part of life is the responsibility to make difficult, challenging, and sometimes even painful decisions. To make important decisions often requires time, prayer, and discernment. Perhaps today more than ever, we face a greater multiplicity and complexity of decisions in ordinary day-to-day living. In the discernment process, we consider the options, balance the advantages with disadvantages, and carefully examine the consequences. "How will I know . . . what is good, right, or best? How will I know what God is calling me to?"

To explore a vocation to religious life, you must consider the following steps:

  1. Reflect on your spiritual beliefs and values to understand your calling.

  2. Engage in prayer and meditation to seek guidance and clarity.

  3. Research different religious communities and their missions.

  4. Attend vocation retreats or discernment programs offered by religious organizations.

  5. Speak with a spiritual director or a member of a religious community for insights.

  6. Evaluate your readiness for a life of service, commitment, and community living.

Life of Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God and a vital component of spiritual growth. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of cultivating a life of prayer, emphasizing its role in developing a deeper relationship with God, seeking His guidance, and aligning one's life with His will.

The Scriptures consistently highlight the significance of prayer. In the Old Testament, figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David exemplify lives steeped in prayer. David, in particular, is noted for his heartfelt prayers, as seen in the Psalms. Psalm 5:3 states, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model for a life of prayer. He frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray, demonstrating the necessity of communion with the Father. In Luke 5:16 , it is recorded, "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray." Jesus also taught His disciples how to pray, providing them with the Lord's Prayer as a template (Matthew 6:9-13).

Cultivating a life of prayer requires intentionality and discipline. Believers are encouraged to pray continually, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 : "Pray without ceasing." This does not imply a constant verbal prayer but rather maintaining an ongoing awareness of God's presence and a readiness to communicate with Him throughout the day.

Prayer is the way in which we relate to God. It helps us to become more open to God, who sustains and gradually transforms us.

Contemplation

Contemplation holds together our prayer, community, and service. Contemplation is the inner journey, where God transforms us, leading us towards unity in love. Authentic contemplation allows us to live community more deeply, to better understand and discern the needs of those we accompany, and to give ourselves in total trust to God, whose presence we discover in all things.

To understand how God speaks in silence according to the Bible, consider these insights:

  • 1 Kings 19:12: God spoke to Elijah not through wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper.

  • Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God" emphasizes the importance of silence in recognizing God's presence.

  • Isaiah 30:15: In quietness and trust is your strength, highlighting the power of stillness.

  • Habakkuk 2:20: The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him, suggesting reverence in silence.

  • Matthew 6:6: Jesus teaches to pray in secret, indicating that solitude can foster deeper communication with God.

  • John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice," implying that listening in silence helps us discern God's guidance.

Fundamental to the life of all Carmelites, regardless of juridical affiliation to the Order, is to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ and embrace his Gospel as the supreme norm of our lives. Carmelites understand their lives to be influenced by the power of his Spirit, enabling each to discover the call of the divine to live together in mutual service of one another and of all people.

The Carmelite Friars entire life is characterized by an intense search for God with total adherence to the teachings of Christ. This requires one to be transformed in Christ—a continual process of conversion. Living with this ideal at the forefront, the Carmelite cooperates in God’s plan and, each utilizing his or her own gifts, finds expression in fraternal life and apostolic zeal.

To live as a gift of Jesus Christ in the Carmelite family, consider these principles:

  • Embrace a life of prayer and contemplation to deepen your relationship with God.

  • Practice humility and simplicity in daily living, reflecting Christ's love.

  • Engage in community life, fostering support and unity among members.

  • Serve others through acts of charity and compassion, embodying Christ's teachings.

  • Seek spiritual growth through regular retreats and spiritual direction.

  • Cultivate a spirit of gratitude, recognizing all as gifts from God.