Christocentrism of Charism – Buggert - CarmelStream
Christocentrism of Charism – Buggert - CarmelStream
Christocentrism of Charism – Buggert - CarmelStream
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In concluding this first part dealing with the Christocentricity <strong>of</strong> the Rule and by way <strong>of</strong><br />
introducing the second part <strong>of</strong> this paper, I cite the words <strong>of</strong> Secondin:<br />
In the Rule, then, we find a Christology which esteems discipleship and<br />
revolves around a "life in Christ," prayerful listening to the Word, celebration <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Mystery, a vision <strong>of</strong> meditation as a way <strong>of</strong> imprinting Christ into one's life . . . , and<br />
the awaiting <strong>of</strong> his return. The same way-<strong>of</strong>-life . . . as a dedication to the Lord in the<br />
Holy Land . . . is now transformed into an open journey to be undertaken in any<br />
place or time. xxxix<br />
CHRISTOCENTRISM IN THE TRADITION<br />
Indeed this Christocentric way <strong>of</strong> life, celebrated in Albert's Rule in the context <strong>of</strong> a Crusade<br />
spirituality <strong>of</strong> reconquering the land <strong>of</strong> Christ through spiritual combat in imitation <strong>of</strong> the suffering<br />
and Crucified Christ, was transformed into an open journey to be undertaken in any place or time.<br />
This <strong>Christocentrism</strong> would continue to inspire Carmel's tradition as witnessed through and<br />
interpreted by its many saints. Two such saints are Teresa <strong>of</strong> Avila and John <strong>of</strong> the Cross.<br />
The <strong>Christocentrism</strong> <strong>of</strong> Teresa <strong>of</strong> Avila<br />
In his lecture on the role <strong>of</strong> the human Christ for St. Teresa upon the occasion <strong>of</strong> the fourth<br />
centenary <strong>of</strong> the death <strong>of</strong> Teresa, the noted Carmelite scholar, Dr. Eamon R. Carroll, singles out<br />
Teresa <strong>of</strong> Avila as "one <strong>of</strong> the all-time great defenders" <strong>of</strong> the "in obsequio Jesu Christi" tradition <strong>of</strong><br />
the Carmelite Rule. xl<br />
Reflecting upon Teresa's concern for the humanity <strong>of</strong> Jesus and the role <strong>of</strong> Jesus' humanity in<br />
Christian life, William M. Thompson claims that she accents the mediatorial role <strong>of</strong> Jesus<br />
throughout the entirety <strong>of</strong> our spiritual lives. xli For Teresa, the humanity <strong>of</strong> Christ remains the sole<br />
gate through which we must enter if we desire "his sovereign Majesty to show us great secrets." xlii<br />
As the spiritual journey to the center <strong>of</strong> the soul or castle progresses, more and more the figure <strong>of</strong><br />
Christ becomes predominant. xliii As Thompson states:<br />
10
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