‘Wariness’ toward Eastern mysticism urged
I read with interest Ginger Hutton’s column about contemplative prayer and the papal document regarding caution about using Eastern non-theistic forms of meditation. I also read the letters it stimulated—letters that reflected an “ecumenical” openness to all seekers of truth and a defense of the works of Fathers Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington.

I see validity to both viewpoints, but for Catholics, the papal document focusing on wariness is more important. Some time ago I attended a retreat at a Cistercian monastery and “ecumenical retreat center.” The group of retreatants included both practicing Catholics and non-Christian seekers who had immersed themselves in Eastern non-theistic meditation, primarily Buddhist. The retreat master was a Cistercian priest taught by Keating and Pennington, and he did fairly well so long as he spoke only of a vague concept of “God” and “prayer,” with no mention of the Trinity or Christ. At one point he seemed to be disparaging prayer with images and scripted words; from people’s facial expressions I saw that this “higher” form of meditation without words or images resonated with the non-Catholics.

Then came the questions: Why did the great contemplative Teresa of Avila pray before an image of the suffering Christ and teach that focus on his sacred humanity was always appropriate in prayer? What about adoration before the Eucharist? What about the Mass, the sacraments, Scripture, the Office, etc.? Is all of this unconnected to the “contemplation” that is the subject of the retreat? Father spoke a few innocuous phrases and then realized he was floundering and cut the talk short.

If you approach contemplative prayer with intellectual honesty, the Buddhist and the Catholic will inevitably come to an irreconcilable clash of first principles. Remember, lex orandi, lex credendi. Prayer implies existence of the “other.” Should we ignore the basic starting point and focus merely on methods? We are an incarnational Church, centered on Christ as true God and true man.

The Holy Father and your columnist were pointing out the pitfalls of a syncretism that strays from Catholic teaching. Skillful theologians such as Keating and Pennington, by precise language and editing, may avoid the pits into which lesser mortals may tumble.

—Jan Hicks Oak Ridge

Father Flaherty ‘hit the nail on the head’
Father Jay Flaherty, the pastor of Holy Cross Church in Pigeon Forge, gave a heartfelt message on Jan. 2 so profound that it’s worth repeating. He said “I am no longer Father Jay, but Father Flaherty.”

He began by explaining the Catholic Church’s rules for Mass and the Eucharist, and addressed parish volunteers. He reminded us of God’s presence in the tabernacle. There’s a family-life room for visiting, eating, and unruly kids, with Mass on TV.

He spoke of growing disrespect for the host, such as the time one was found with a cough drop stuck on it. One must fast for one hour from food, drink, or chewing gum before taking Communion, Father said. “And if I or the eucharistic ministers see any of this, that person will not receive Communion. Don’t leave early; stay until Mass ends!”

Father addressed respectful attire, especially for ushers and those on the altar: ties, long pants, dresses, and no shorts. Latecomers must wait outside until after the homily, because “I do not use notes, and I get distracted.”

He ended by saying, “If you don’t like these changes, you can go worship elsewhere. You can complain to the bishop or go all the way to the pope.” As a priest, Father Flaherty is accountable for how he leads his flock to God. You could have heard a pin drop during his homily, but the congregation applauded at the end in agreement.

He had hit the nail on the head. I hope his message resounds throughout the diocese.

—Nancy Stutts Knoxville

Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail or mail: mweaver@dioknox.org, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.