(Editor's note: Susan Beckworth's previous article in the past week touched upon New Age practices among some Catholic and other Christian clergy. It received considerable comment both pro and con. The following is offered by Ms. Beckworth as a response to readers' comments. She plans to offer another article soon about the involvement of Catholic hierarchs in the New Age movement.)
Christian meditation has always been about entering more deeply into union with the Lord Jesus Christ and with Him, God the Father and the Holy Ghost. It consists of turning our thoughts, our hearts, our desires and our love to the Living God.
In stark contrast, “Centering Prayer” focuses on emptying the mind of all thought through the repetition of a mantra (though proponents of centering prayer don't use the term "mantra" and would object to me using it). Centering Prayer by emptying one’s mind seeks to achieve an ALC - Altered Level of Consciousness.)
Authentic Prayer, however, has its goal which is union with God. It fosters holiness in the individual. In the Church if meditation is truly authentic, it will possess the following characteristics:
- It is Christ-centered and Trinitarian.
- It will acknowledge the cross of Christ and suffering.
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