Page 120 - Reflections on St. Joseph

PRIMACY

of the

INTERIOR LIFE

in

Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ

1. Meaning of “Interior Life”

ithout trying to enter into the discussion of the history of the concept of the
“interior life”, it does seem important to give some some insights into the term,
which at first sight might sound a little old fashioned and in fact, is not much used
today. Effectively the concept becomes ambivalent or even suspicious, if it becomes
linked to the idea of a flight from historical reality or as an introversion which pulls away from
any historical or ecclesial context.

In the dictionary, the word “interior” usually refers to “that which happens within the soul, in
the conscience, in the depths of a man”. The word “interiority” is defined as the sphere of the
spirit and of the conscience, as the complex of thoughts, affections, aspirations, interests and
beliefs that make up the psychological and spiritual dimensions of man. In the end, it is a space
of personal reflection and silence which requires the ability to listen and to reflect so as to find
meaning in what is happening.

96 Reflections on st. joseph