Today's Term:
Supernatural Words
Supernatural words are manifestations of God's thought which are heard either by the exterior senses or by the interior senses or directly by the intellect.
1. Exterior words-An auricular supernatural word is a vibration formed in the air by the ministry of angels. For example, St. Luke tells us that Zachary heard the angel Gabriel speak to him. The same angel Gabriel said to Mary: "Hail, full of grace." Like corporeal visions, these locutions are subject to illusion.
2. Imaginary supernatural words are heard by the imagination, when the person is awake or asleep. They sometimes seem to come from heaven; at other times from the depths of one's heart. They are perfectly distinct, although not heard with bodily ears. They are not easily forgotten. When the devil produces these words the soul is disturbed, troubled, and frightened.
3. Intellectual words are heard directly by the intellect without the intermediary of the senses or the imagination, in the way the angels communicate their thoughts to one another. It is mystical speech, which is the tongue of the fatherland.
Christian Perfection and Contemplation by Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.
It is the same with another way in which God teaches the soul, and addresses it without using words, as I have said. This is so celestial a tongue that it is difficult to explain it to mortals, however much we may desire to do so, unless the Lord teaches it to us by experience...I think this is the state in which the devil has the least power of interference.
This kind of vision and this kind of speech are such spiritual things that I believe no turmoil is caused by them in the faculties, or in the senses.
The Life of St. Teresa, Chap. 27
We can make a short examen and ask ourselves:
*Do I say only the good things people need to hear, the things that will build them up spiritually, (St. Paul) or do I speak negatively and critically about people and situations?
*Do I follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and "pray from the heart" and learn to listen instead of always "speaking" in prayer?
*Am I a good listener, or am I always thinking of what I am going to say next in a conversation?
*Am I respectful of the Word of God? Do I pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten me during the scripture readings at Mass?
As Secular Carmelites the Lord may give us the gift of perfect contemplation, as St. Teresa describes it. If the Lord desires to speak to our hearts in a true locution or spiritual vision as described above, let us remember that these gifts are not for ourselves alone, but for the upbuilding of the whole Church. We must also be careful not to boast about the gifts the Lord has given us. May the Lord give us wisdom and discernment of spirits.
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie
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