Christocentrism of Charism – Buggert - CarmelStream

contemplative prayer. lii
In chapter twenty-two of the Life , Teresa gives two reasons why contemplatives should
never relinquish the humanity of Christ in their life of prayer. The first reason has to do with a lack
of humility, i.e. one thinks that in prayer one can lift oneself beyond the humanity of Christ in order
to contemplate God in God's self. This is tantamount to wanting to be Mary before having worked
with Martha. liii
The second reason, found also in chapter six of the Interior Castle, is much more theological
and anthropological. In the Life Teresa puts it in this way:
... we are not angels but we have a body. To desire to be angels while we are on earth
- and as much on earth as I was - is foolishness. Ordinarily, thought needs to have
some support. liv
In other words, as O'Donoghue explains, since we are on earth we need something to lean on,
especially in times of stress or aridity. "At such times Christ is a very good friend and companion." lv
He is the one through whom all things come to us and so "we should desire no other path even . . . at
the summit of contemplation." lvi
In a similar vein, Teresa writes in the Interior Castles:
... To be always withdrawn from corporeal things and enkindled in love is the trait of
angelic spirits, not of those who live in mortal bodies. It is necessary that we speak
to, think about, and become the companions of those who, having had a mortal body,
accomplished such great feats for God. How much more is it necessary not to
withdraw through one's own efforts from all our good and help, which is the most
sacred humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ. lvii
Teresa goes on to indicate that such persons who abandon the humanity of Christ in prayer will harm
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