Interior Castle (part 5): Fourth Dwelling Place; Transition & Transformation

This is an exciting mansion as God begins to take the lead becoming much more active in the soul, while the soul becomes more passive and receptive to God, more fully surrendering to Him, especially in prayer. It is the beginning of the mystical life with the gifts of infused contemplation. These degrees of prayer are called “infused recollection” and “prayer of quiet” (spiritual delight). In this conversation, we discuss what these degrees of prayer are like and what their effects are. We also detail the differences between “consolations” in prayer in comparison to “spiritual delights.” St. Teresa of Avila also tells us that the best way to be predisposed for these gifts and favors is NOT to strive for them! We go over the reasons why. Additionally, we discuss the complementary counsels from St. John of the Cross on what 3 signs must be present for a soul to understand God is calling them to leave discursive meditation and open themselves up to receive the gift of infused contemplation. Finally, we go over St. Teresa’s warnings about false experiences of prayer along with the battles the devil forges on the soul in this fourth dwelling place.

The Carmelite Conversations Podcast is an apostolate of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites community of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Dayton, Ohio. Discalced Carmelite Seculars are practicing members of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, make the commitment to the Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the church and the world. For more information about Secular Carmelites, visit our website.