Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path

by Carl McColman

The mystical path is not some sort of static experience for the select few, says Carl McColman, rather, it is a living tradition, a rich and many-layered dimension of spirituality that is in large measure a quest to find the mysteries at the heart of the universe, paradoxically nestled within the heart of your own soul.McColman first introduced readers to Christianity’s lost mystical roots in his popular book, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism. Now McColman is back with Answering the Contemplative Call, to show readers how to apply the riches of the mystical tradition to daily living.This book is organized in three “Recognizing the Call,” Explores how each one of us is called to the mystical life, and  what that might look like.“Preparing for the Journey,” shows what we need to do in response to the contemplative call.“Embarking on the Adventure” considers what those first steps on the path  might look like. Along the way McColman quotes from the great mystics of the Christian tradition who have also traveled this path, including Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill and more.In Answering the Contemplative Call, McColman offers a practice that will help readers come to a place meaning and purpose in their lives.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Mysticism, Nonfiction, Theology

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Carl McColman writes about the spiritual life, covering topics like mysticism (The Big Book of Christian Mysticism), contemplative prayer (Answering the Contemplative Call), monastic spirituality (Befriending Silence), Celtic traditions (An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom), Paganism (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism), and Wicca (When Someone You Love is Wiccan).

He is also a blogger (www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman) and podcaster(www.encounteringsilence.com) .

Why did Carl McColman, a Catholic author, write books about Paganism? Read the answer here: www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/20...

Reviews

[heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the blessed opportunity to meet Carl McColman at a writing retreat at The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia this summer. I was impressed with his ability to articulate truths on the heart level and this applies to Answering the Contemplative Call as well.

McColman has an understanding of living a contemplative life that extends from his knowledge of Christian mysticism, (see his book: The Big Book Of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide To Contemplative Spirituality), but what I appreciate most is the accessibility of this knowledge to anyone, Christian and non-Christian alike. McColman understands his readers and their desire to know God and to listen to the "still small voice", by using inclusive language for God, providing solid examples and useful metaphors, as well as drawing on other philosophies and religions to create a distinct and kind approach to hearing God's voice and following after it. Answering the Contemplative Call is a book for any reader on the path to understanding what contemplation is, what it looks like, how it works, what to expect, and what to take with you on the journey.

I found many quotations that I will take with me on my own journey. Here is an example, which is also the conclusion of the book, "To be present to God, begin by being present with yourself. That means remembering who you are--someone created in the image and likeness of the Divine mystery... Sit in silence with that luminous resonant truth. Behold the Mystery who loves you--and who calls you to be everything it is possible for you to be. Wake up! Your spirit shines like the sun. You have a glittering, shimmering day ahead of you. For knowing who you are, remembering who you are, and responding to your unique call--these steps are just the beginning of an adventurous journey that will last forever."

Thank you for this gift, Carl.

[David Edgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caused my heart to love God and others a little bit more. The life in Christ is less about where you are headed and more about how you are travelling.

[Lynne Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH by Carl McColman
Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
Date published: February 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-57174-677-1
Nonfiction/Inspirational
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Answering-Conte...
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 5

One must begin the journey through Carl McColman’s ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH as one would any secular or Christian book, keeping an open mind. Not all readers may agree with what is revealed in the pages of this book. Many references are made to ancient mystics, Catholic, Zen, Taoist, or Buddhist practices, and what has been experienced by spiritual mystics or contemplatives. So with this in mind, let me say that I found this a profoundly thought-provoking read, inspirational in fact. ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH will surely help anyone aspiring to draw closer to God in a way perhaps never considered before.

McColman has done excellent research and provides many invaluable resources for further information on the topic of contemplation and mysticism. I found some free on the Internet that are easily downloaded, to peruse at leisure.

Mysticism is not a subject one hears a lot about these days. Regardless, McColman is a skilled writer who has pieced together many interesting facts that broadened my knowledge on this fascinating topic. Again, I had to keep an open mind because I tend to consider and view things from that of a non-denominational believer. As I warn many people when reading secular or even Christian books, one must be careful when reading books such as these since truths may be twisted and Scripture changed to suit one’s needs. Misinterpretations can be readily inherent as well. I do believe, however, that McColman, through his extensive spiritual training has portrayed his knowledge in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH in an enlightening, informative way that is as true as he believes it to be. As I read this book, nothing untoward, negative, or vastly disturbing leaped out at me. I kept everything in perspective and tried to relate much of McColman’s teachings to my own life experiences and to the Truth of God as I know it.

McColman makes one grasp the concepts of contemplation quite easily in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH. As an intellectual, I discovered things in the pages of this wonderful book that made me want to delve more deeply into the subject matter by reviewing many of the resources mentioned therein. His references to many spiritual giants such as Thomas Aquinas, Theresa of Avila, Walter Hilton, Ignatius of Loyola, and Julian of Norwich, to name a few, piqued my interest regarding the lives of these people. Which made me want to read what some of them experienced in their own spiritual lives and eventually wrote about. To learn these things, one must, of course, continue moving along the pathway, far beyond the first steps.

The jewels of great price shared in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH indeed share the way of drawing closer to God. God wants us to seek Him, and prayer, meditation - contemplation, if you will, and waiting on God by remaining silent before Him, are first steps in finding Him. In order to do these things, we must lay aside all aspects of self and focus completely on God. According to McColman, “when we empty ourselves completely, creating space for God within us, it is then His love will pour into us. For love, you see, is what will fill us and transform our lives.” (paraphrased, p. 140)

ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH is a great read for anyone interested in drawing closer to God. Since we are instructed by God to pray and be holy, McColman’s book shares that our simple participation in the Christian prayer life and growing in holiness is a step in the right direction. In fact, McColman states that “...when God’s longing for us connects with our longing for God, [it is then] we enter the mystical life.” (p.15)

If you are at that point in your life when you are striving to know God more intimately, then ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH is a book that may help guide you in the right direction for your life.
It is an interesting, fairly fast-paced read and is well worth the time to read and apply to your own life experiences.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commisions’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[M_h_w · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being an introvert, I’m often drawn to quiet and solitude. When I was in divinity school, it’s a large part of the reason I was drawn to mysticism and contemplative spirituality--and there I found somewhat of a home. Sadly, it’s not a home I have tended for much of the past decade. My faith has become more cerebral and, in many ways, more active than contemplative. So when the opportunity came along to read and review Carl McColman’s Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path, I was happy to do so.

This book provides an excellent introduction to a contemplative life in a way that is accessible and practical. McColman pulls from an interfaith, but largely ecumenical base, citing well known mystics of old--and not so old. He provides an invitation to join the contemplative journey, and uses journey as the extended metaphor for the book as a whole. McColman provides a road map with suggested resources (travel agents, if you will), practical steps, and advice from those who have walked before. He boils it down to two core practices: meditation and contemplative (i.e., silent) prayer.

Embedded among the suggestions for cultivating the space, silence, and simplicity for a contemplative life, what I appreciated most about this book was the reminder that there is a rhythm to the contemplative life just as there is a rhythm to the everyday life, and we should be patient--and gracious--with ourselves as the process, or journey, unfolds. Although much of this book was a review for me, it truly is a beautiful and well done introduction of the contemplative life for those who are unfamiliar with such practices.

[Dami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been drawn to contemplative Christianity recently and this book has encouraged me to continue this journey. Carl Mccolman does a great job of making mysticism more accessible while being fully aware of the inherent paradoxes. He doesn’t try to explain them away, just holds them in tension - which feels like the beginning of the path for me. Letting go of the certainty of understanding and opening up to not knowing and in that newfound emptiness allowing space for God. I’m looking forward to putting his practical advice into practice. I’ve highlighted so much of the book that I will definitely be rereading it again

[Ben Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and truly a joyful read. I had the honor of meeting Carl McColman at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY while I was on a retreat. His kindness and soulful ale on the Mystics led me to his books. This is my 1st taste of his writing and I am inspired. This book came into my life at the right time. I am deeply moved by the beauty of its simple message.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good basic book about contemplation (mysticism). Very Christian-oriented but not hostile to other traditions.

[Joy-Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It is open enough for non- Christians to find it enlightening.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answering the Contemplative Call is a primer, a guide for first encounters, a kind of Contemplative Practice 101 textbook, so it's not comprehensive. Like most introductory texts, the book covers a lot of territory, and attempts to define and describe a lot of concepts.

Basics:
Recognize the call
Prepare for the journey
Embark on the adventure .... of
"...the mystical path [which] is the path of love between you and God." (page 10)

Straightaway author Carl McColman cautions us how the lifelong practice the mystical journey, of engaging the mysteries of God, the mysteries of our lives, is more of a spiral than a straight line. The text of this book spirals around a lot, too, but that's part of what makes it engaging and fairly easy to read.

I won't attempt to list the many historical and more contemporary lovers of God the author cites, but they include Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Julian of Norwich, the desert fathers and mothers, English and Spanish mystics, Augustine of Hippo, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila, C.S. Lewis. We can place ourselves in their company! 

At the beginning, on page 6, McColman insists thinking about God or having spiritual thoughts is not the first step along the way. In fact, I never ever would have guessed or imagined his root concept―it is "beholding." He lines out the initial sequence again:

God calls us
The call makes us restless
we wake up (respond) to the call
we behold the mystery
"and only then―do we start thinking about it."

On page 38: "To behold implies a profound engagement with that which you see. It implies paying attention and truly being present. It implies not merely seeing, but holding―in your mind, in your heart, in your soul―that which you see. ...We have to be awake in order to behold. But we also have to be silent and present. It’s not something that a distracted heart or an anxious mind can easily embrace."

As everyone who has walked alongside Jesus of Nazareth for any length of days realizes that in some ways the journey is solitary, but you still need to find companions, people to break bread with along the way. (page 65) A Spiritual director? Maybe. But also reach out and serve others in various ways. Related to those other people we need, on pages 80-81, McColman reminds us, "social / external /activist" dimension of anyone's relationships with Jesus Christ is essential.

Essential for myself and also for most thoughtful, educated, activist, urban people in this 21st century, the "Befriend Silence" chapter (page 89) begins by saying we need to make a home for silence in our hearts. Silencing that incessant inner noise, blocking out cacophony from streets and peeps. I love that he says on page 94, contemplative silence "gives us the space to find wonder..."

For sure I would like far more emphasis on scripture itself, but two-thirds of the way through we read, (page 117):

"Christian meditation is not about letting images or thoughts go; rather, like other forms of kataphatic spirituality, it is all about immersing ourselves in the Word of God. 'In the beginning was the Word,' begins the Gospel of John. And ever since the apostles wrote the New Testament epistles and the evangelists wrote the Gospels, the Christian wisdom tradition has been associated with the mysteries of language. ... To use language is an essential part of being human, and so the exploration of Christian wisdom includes a strong focus on the words of the first Christian teachers, as well as of the great saints and mystics throughout history."

Finally, where does this twisty, turning, roundabout path of God's call to us, our awakening, beholding, and response to that call in contemplation lead? It's all about bringing heaven to earth, helping transform the world by being, demonstrating, and living the love of God. Answering the Contemplative Call is a smorgasbord of ideas and possibilities, one that could be an excellent gift for yourself, for a friend or an acquaintance.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books on the contemplative life make me nervous. I thought that might be useful to know. They make me nervous a little because many of the books I've read about contemplation fall into abstraction at the drop of a hat or become so fuzzy that different traditions tend to merge into one, which drives me a little. So, when I picked up McColman's book, I did so with some trepidation, despite the recommendations from people I respect I've received.

Answering the Contemplative Call was worth it, though. It combines a wealth of experience in contemplative prayer with a respect for (Christian) tradition and an ability to avoid jargon and write clearly. In any book, that is an achievement and makes this an excellent introduction to contemplative prayer and meditation. McColman writes clearly and knowledgeably about this approach to life, incorporating what the experience of Christian contemplatives has been over the centuries. It makes an admirable introduction and makes me want to seek out more of McColman's books.

[Fr. River · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL First Steps on the Mystical Path by Carl McColman


This book is an ingtroduction to meditation. The author takes us through introductory steps to living a life of meditation. He divides the mystical path into three areas all going together none separate:


Contempaltive/Community/Service. We spend time in prayer, and worshipt with community to be of service to the greater world.


I found this book to be an excellent introduction to mediatation and it gives an excellent approach to the subject and brings beginningers to the a way of living that is fruitful and productive. This books is perfect for use by spiritual directors and soul friends with those they work with and is an excellent guide to beginners.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is: a great introduction to contemplative spirituality and a primer on hearing, recognizing and answering the call to a contemplative life. He guides you through the process with several helpful analogies and leaves you wanting more.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this on my blog: thoughtsprayersandsongs.com

[Marianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not actually finish this book as I've previously read several that said much the same thing. I did find what I read to be well written.