A Postcolonial Practice of Contemplation for Filipinas

The Christian practice of contemplation can be a resource for Filipinas to resist violence caused by patriarchy, coloniality, and clericalism as overlapping forms of oppression pervading both society and the church in the Philippines. This practice is drawn from the reflections of Constance FitzGerald and Beverly Lanzetta on the writings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and how these spiritual works can offer women possibilities for flourishing today. These reflections are placed in conversation with the feminist theological works from the Philippines, which are concerned about gender dynamics and stereotypes detrimental to women’s well-being and offer a reimagining of theological anthropology. This dialogue proposes opening up spaces for contemplation to encounter God as Gracious Mystery who desires women’s flourishing, affirms women’s dignity, pays attention to their embodied nature, and offers a nuanced approach to suffering in the world that is caused by physical and epistemic violence.