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                   September 7, 2025, Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: 

                     Grades of Prayer – 2. Meditation: Practice & Benefits (3) 

So far we’ve considered the meaning, necessity, purpose, and methods of meditation. Now, let us look at some practical steps and the spiritual benefits of regular meditation. There are three essential steps for fruitful meditation: 1. Preparation: it includes a deliberate desire to spend time with God; setting aside distractions (like phones or pressing concerns); and choosing a subject for meditation – a passage from Scripture, liturgical texts, the life of a saint, or spiritual reading. Saying a short preparatory prayer, making acts of faith, and asking God’s grace to meditate well and for a specific intention. 2. Meditation: it engages the whole person: memory helps to read and remember the chosen material; intellect helps to reflect and understand the meaning of the text; heart and senses respond to inspirations and interior movements; will stirs up devout desires and affections for God; and a brief affective colloquy—a loving, personal conversation with God. 3. Conclusion: meditation must always end with a prayer, and practical resolutions and a desire to apply them in life. In summary, all meditations include three steps: 1. Consideration of a supernatural truth, 2. Application of that truth to your life, 3. A resolution to act upon it. Now, let us consider some practical guidelines for fruitful meditation. Time: Choose a regular time that fits your schedule. The best time is when your mind is clear and alert—not when you're tired or emotionally disturbed. Duration: Keep meditation balanced—not too short or too long. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches prayer should continue while the soul remains fervent, and pause when it becomes a source of distraction. Place: A church is ideal due to its sanctity and silence, but any place allowing recollection and focus is suitable. Posture: Posture affects meditation. Whether kneeling, sitting, or standing, avoid extremes. Too much comfort can lead to distraction; too much discomfort can hinder devotion. What are the benefits of regular meditation? It is essential for spiritual growth. It increases devotion to God, a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, and a more intimate relationship with God. It increases humility, charity, and clarity in discerning God’s will. St. Teresa of Avila writes: “Experience proves that there is absolutely nothing that can substitute for the life of prayer—not even daily Communion. There are many who receive Communion every day, yet their spiritual life remains mediocre and lukewarm. The reason is nothing other than the absence of mental prayer, either because it is entirely neglected or performed in a mechanical and routine manner. Without prayer, it is impossible to attain Christian perfection, regardless of our state in life or occupation.” Let us, then, commit to meditation as a vital part of our spiritual life.  — Fr. Jesu