I Want to See God

by P Marie-Eugene O.C.D.

Following the footsteps of the Masters of Carmel, Fr. Marie-Eugene opens up the paths of contemplation and holiness to all, in the midst of ordinary life. This is a classic for all interested in Carmelite spirituality.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Theology, Religion, Christian, History

570 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is my second read through and in spite of making careful notes, highlights and allowing time for prayerful pondering and meditation, I still don’t feel I have gone very deep with this book. One would need to be well-versed with Teresa’s Interior Castle and the repertoire of John of the Cross to fully appreciate this. I have read Interior Castle twice but not recently and as for St. John, all I can say is I finally got through The Ascent of Mount Carmel after three attempts, but am far from feeling comfortable with it. However, since making my First Promise as a Secular Carmelite I’ll begin studying him now in-depth and hopefully that will change.

Had thought I would go on to the P. Marie-Eugène’s sequel, I Am a Daughter of the Church, but instead I turn to some books to assist me with understanding John of the Cross.

Will come back to this. Highly recommended to all Carmelites and anyone truly serious about the spiritual life and willing to work.


January 5, 2018: Slowly, ever so slowly, I read a few pages of this, set it down and then come back to it a week (or more) later. It is not hard to pick up again. In fact it is easier that way. To read to much in too short of a time makes it too difficult to absorb, like too much rainfall in a small area. The ground cannot absorb it and the water rolls away.


November 9, 2017: ‘When the soul journeys in its vestment of faith, the devil can neither see it nor succeed in harming it, since it is well protected by faith—more so than by all the other virtues—against the devil, who is at once the strongest and the most cunning of enemies.’ St. John of the Cross Faith lifts the soul above the domain of the senses, over which the devil can exercise power, and introduces it into the supernatural world, into which he cannot enter. p.118



August 25, 2017: I have already read this ... but it was many years ago and long before I was a Secular Carmelite. It was one of the most challenging books (then) I had ever read and yet, I remember thinking it yielded me the most reward for the effort. Looking forward to returning to it now and then going on the sequel which I have not read, I Am a Daughter of the Church.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regularly reference this book and it has significantly helped my understanding of the Carmelite Saints. My personal highlights are the sections on:

-God's presence in our souls
-Self knowledge
-The Good Jesus
-Teresian Asceticism
-Gift of Self
-Humility
-Interior Silence

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful synthesis of Carmelite spirituality ~ it touches on everything that I love about the Carmelite way. Very easy read, though the book is somewhat lengthy.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very profound book. It goes into depth on the mystery of God's presence in us. One will never want to sin after reading this book! This grace of His presence is too great!

[Clare Asper]

Pre-read note: Our local small class with my oblate master is starting this book, having just finished "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI. Not a Benedictine work, and I was a little surprised to see it win out over Bl. Columba Marmion in the voting, but there is a deep devotion to many of the Carmelite saints at the abbey. St. Elisabeth of the Trinity is my own oblate patron, so I'm looking forward to learning more about the spirituality that shaped her.

[Helen Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this thing took me two whole years to finish. But time well spent. This is probably the only theology-centric book that I'll ever read in my lifetime, especially as it's the most (if not the only) comprehensive tome on Carmelite spirituality and mysticism. It's impossible to consume this book in a month because each page is so meaty with insights, historical references and footnotes. It's very enriching spiritually.

[Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly profound book on the Catholic faith and Carmelite spirituality. This one needs multiple reads as the first only scratches the surface.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very practical book about the process, difficulties and hopes for a contemplative vocation. The title comes from the words of young Teresa of Avila running off to be killed by moors, but it encapsulates the calling of every human. Things that seemed to me to be unique in this book were: specific advice on spiritual warfare (hide in virtue until Mansion 6), that the soul will be purified over time before being charged with a task, and that prayer fruitful in understanding must eventually give way to simply spending time with him. Helpful: Rest in the other works of mercy. Challenging: the final loss of all realizations and images as the soul gets caught up in simple contemplation.