God would not be the eternal goodness and wisdom if he did not—along with his courting of our love— give us the means to this unity with him. These means, which bring us with certainty into direct relationship with God, are the three theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that accompany them.
By faith we affirm the truth of the divine life that has been promised to us. Through love we possess it. Hope gives us the certainty that with the help of grace we will grow in this life and finally possess it perfectly and unendingly in heaven. In this activity of the three theological virtues is the substance of every deep and sincere prayer. We can carry on a conversation directly with God in the innocence and simplicity of our souls. “In simplicitate cordis quaerite illum—Seek him with simplicity of heart” (Wis 1:1).
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The work of the imagination is a purely human activity, and therefore it is not prayer. That’s the first reason why we want to reduce it to what is essential. Of course, through the influence of grace this subordinate activity is ennobled and can be directed toward a supernatural goal. But despite this, it is still true that the power of the imagination, like any capacity related to sensation tires quickly and grows weary of its object. To call forth fantasy pictures and hold on to them is too strenuous a task for one to be able to continue with for any length of time. Consequently, we can’t obtain any substantial or even notable part of our prayer life from this source since, according to the demands of the Gospel, prayer should be simple and continual. “Oportet semper orare et non deficere—One ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1).
Besides, the imagination is not able to get in touch with the supernatural realities. These are only accessible through pure faith. One can at most play with the shadows, the veils of these invisible realities, while we can reach immediate, interior connection with them through the divine virtues. –A. Carthusian ‘Life in God’s Presence’
A link to an insightful review of Scorsese’s film ‘Silence by a Dominican brother.
