Asceticism: CarmelCast Episode 6

Asceticism is a necessary part of the spiritual life. Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila espouse an absolute asceticism of complete detachment and relentless mortification. This zealous ideal can seem daunting if removed from the ultimate goal of their ascetical practices: love of God and neighbor. In this episode, we discuss the practice of asceticism and its important place in the Carmelite tradition.
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[@caroltaylor3261]

My husband and I just watched this episode. You have given us some great examples to enhance our prayer lives and fasting. I appreciate your example of our heavenly Mother coming to us in the night to hold us in prayer. Being a mother of 6 children I see my role as loving and comforting as Mother Mary. I will look at my middle of the night wake ups as a true blessing to be in prayer. Thank you so much.

[@ICSPublications]

God bless you Carol!

[@hannahdavia8791]

Thank you Brothers for your wonderful discussions. I listened to all 6 on a long drive and felt I had been on retreat. God bless you and we look forward to the last episode.

[@snowy1634]

Excellent, excellent discussion. I think it's so important to understand that asceticism is not the goal but the means to the goal, which as you say is love of God and love of neighbor. Thank you so much for this. And I love Dr Pepper, too!

[@ICSPublications]

God bless you!

[@maryannemiller8500]

Thank you!

[@cathryndarcy6447]

Dear Brothers, Please do more "CarmelCast" episodes. As my Secular community has no spiritual director, we use these episodes to enhance our Spiritual Formation. Our community is called St. THERESE and we meet in Newport News, VA. We had our monthly meeting last Sunday and I took my tablet so we could begin watching the series. Everyone was so excited and pleased with series. PLEASE May we have more?? God Bless and Happy Easter!

[@ICSPublications]

Hi Catherine! We need to break a bit for Easter and the Summer, but our plan is to return with new episodes in September. I hope that you can spread out the 7 episodes of this season from now until then.

[@georgewing1713]

Cathryn D'Arcy Good point Cathryn! Any of these discussions make for great conference material should a community not have a spiritual assistant or he is called to other work unexpectedly. We use a a guide for our assistant ‘Divine Intimacy’ as they are not necessarily familiar with Carmelite spirituality.

[@HosannaInExcelsis]

I am so glad I found this channel. I love Carmelite spirituality so much. As a married man I can fully relate to your comment that excess in eating leads you to lust. It was of great help for me that you helped me confirm what I had experience in practice. I am now trying to curb my food appetites and work on self control. Thanks for providing such a practical advice. God bless.

[@jamesvg1499]

Thanks very much brothers.

[@mysticalheart8107]

This is so practical/helpful. God Bless each of you.

[@noahscheibmeir5842]

This was great, thank you!

[@jeffseng6385]

I really love these. You both are working very well together to educate us.

[@mrsphillips]

Thank you brothers, such a great episode. Would love you'll to do commentary on John of the Cross' Flame of Love and more on the Song of Songs.

[@dana1499]

very insightful!

[@ICSPublications]

Thank you, Dana. God bless you!

[@thierryorlowski9662]

Dear Brothers, What are the rules Discalced Carmel Friars follows for Fasting especially for Lent and for Advent? Are they the same as regular practicing Catholics or do they have a separate approach? Thanks, Thierry

[@dfgodfirst7884]

💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@skopjemk]

I like when people call themselves brothers and not fathers like others.

[@abassage655]

Have you done a session on he rosary; included by the 6 Carmelite decades?

[@ICSPublications]

We haven't done this, but that's a great idea. Maybe we can do something on this over the summer. Thanks for the idea!

[@abassage655]

I am an aspirant. Is it necessary to have a Carmelite spiritual director? If so, how could I find one?

[@ICSPublications]

It's not necessary to have a Carmelite spiritual director. Depending on where you live, there may not be any Carmelite friars in your area. I suggest you talk to the president of your community to find out if they have any recommendations for spiritual directors.

[@abassage655]

thank you

[@maxstormhamburger3688]

Dr. Pepper rulz. Jesus Rules.

[@pablodee9024]

So why aren’t there great Carmelite saints now? Because we keep placing St John and St Teresa “into their time.”