Deepening Our Attention

Simone Weil, a French philosopher, theologian and activist around the time of World War II, wrote a remarkable essay in which she connects the discipline of schoolwork with that of prayer. She argues the main benefit of working hard at school is to develop our attention, which in turn helps us improve at praying.

Attention to justice should lead to the deepening of our spiritual lives. Similarly, attention to justice should lead to the deepening of our spiritual lives because as we practice attention in our approach to justice we also more attentively pray for guidance in working for…