Sarah Mitchell
Mysticism is a tradition of mystical practices and theology within Christianity, which concerns the preparation for and consciousness of a direct and transformative presence of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that God calls us all to this intimate union with him. Mysticism is often associated with extraordinary and paranormal religious experiences, such as visions, revelations, and apparitions. However, mystical experiences can also be ordinary, everyday occurrences where one is touched by God at a level deeper than words, thought, imagination, and feeling. To be a Catholic mystic, one must seek to develop a personal relationship with God through holiness and virtue, and by learning about how God's grace works in the soul. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, as well as by studying the lives and writings of Catholic mystics and saints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Understanding of mysticism | A religious tendency and desire of the human soul towards an intimate union with God |
| A philosophical system that considers direct union with God through contemplation and love | |
| Participation in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments | |
| A life of holiness and virtue | |
| A roadmap to where the Lord will bring all who seek to be transformed in love during this life | |
| A way to experience God in this life | |
| A path to a deeper union with God | |
| A way to be conformed to God's life | |
| A way to experience God's grace | |
| A way to be in constant communication with God | |
| A way to be touched by God at a level deeper than words, thought, imagination and feeling | |
| A way to give meaningful expression to mystical experience | |
| A way to seek mystical union with God | |
| Resources | St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Availa, St. Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life, EWTN's podcast archive and YouTube channel |
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What You'll Learn
The path to mysticism
Mysticism is a tradition of mystical practices and mystical theology within Christianity. It is the preparation for, the consciousness of, and the effect of a direct and transformative presence of God or divine love. Mysticism, according to its etymology, implies a relation to mystery. In philosophy, mysticism is a religious tendency and desire of the human soul towards an intimate union with God, or Divinity.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that "Spiritual progress tends toward an ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called 'mystical' because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments." God calls us all to this intimate union with him, and this is the journey of our lives.
To begin this journey, one can start by acknowledging the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and by praying to God frequently. One can also read about the lives of the saints who had mystical relationships with God, such as St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, St. Theresa of Availa, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Julian of Norwich. There are also several programs on EWTN that introduce people to mystical prayer and the methods followed by the saints.
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Prayer and meditation
The Catholic Church teaches that mystical theology is the understanding of mysticism and spirituality. It is the process of moving from one part of the spiritual life to the next, constantly growing and progressing through different "stages" of the spiritual life. This progression is not random but ordered, and it is open to all Catholics.
Mystical prayer is a form of contemplative prayer, which seeks to achieve a close sharing between friends, taking time to be alone with God. Contemplative prayer is not based on an analogical knowledge of the Infinite but as a direct and immediate intuition of the Infinite. St Teresa of Avila describes it as "taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us". In this way, we seek God, and in Him, we find the Father.
Contemplative practices can range from simple prayerful meditation on holy scripture to contemplation on the presence of God. This can result in theosis, or spiritual union with God. This union with God is not limited to monks, nuns, or hermits, but is available to all. It requires learning about how God's grace works in the soul, so that one can remove obstacles that prevent one from receiving God's gifts and graces.
The great mystics, such as Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila, experienced God in extraordinary ways, through visions and apparitions. However, these are not common experiences. Normally, mystical experiences are ordinary and everyday, but with a difference. They are moments of unique lucidity and clarity, where one is extraordinarily centred and senses beyond words and imagination.
There are many resources available to learn about mystical prayer, including EWTN's podcasts and YouTube channel, and St Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life", which is a 43-day programme of daily prayer and contemplation.
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Saints and their experiences
Mysticism in the Catholic Church refers to the development of mystical practices and theology within Christianity. It is often associated with mystical theology, especially in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The saints are proverbial icons of virtue, and their experiences have been documented throughout history.
St. Gemma Galgani and St. Catherine of Siena, celebrated in April, are two well-known mystical saints who experienced sublime ecstasies, visions, spiritual revelations, and apparitions. St. Gemma Galgani, in an ecstasy of love, professed that "Jesus possesses my heart, and being in possession of Jesus I find that I can smile, even in the midst of so much".
St. Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa, is another renowned mystic saint. She describes contemplative prayer as "a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us". This type of prayer seeks to find Jesus, as "to desire him is always the beginning of love".
The saints' experiences also include physical maladies and chronic diseases. Despite facing trials, tribulations, and temptations, they were not discouraged. Instead, they embraced their suffering as an opportunity to grow in humility and total dependence on God's love and mercy.
The mystical saints teach that the interior life, focused on loving and pleasing God, should take precedence over peripheral distractions. Their magnanimity and perfect love for God resulted in extraordinary revelations and visions. By studying their lives, we can learn valuable lessons about humility, charity, hope, and faith.
Other notable Catholic mystic saints include St. Clare of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, St. Francis de Sales, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, and Pope St. John Paul II.
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Mysticism in Catholic theology
Catholic mysticism holds that God calls everyone to an intimate union with Him, even if special graces or extraordinary signs of the mystical life are granted only to some. This journey towards a deeper union with God is the path of spiritual progress, and it is open to all Catholics in all walks of life. It involves a process of growth and constant progression through different stages of the spiritual life, leading towards an encounter with God, known as the Beatific Vision, which can be experienced even before death.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes contemplative prayer as a "close sharing between friends," where one takes time to be alone with God, who is known to love us. Contemplative practices can range from simple prayerful meditation on holy scripture to contemplation on the presence of God, resulting in spiritual union with Him. This form of prayer seeks to fix our attention on the Lord Himself, moving beyond mere meditation.
Mystical experiences are not limited to extraordinary phenomena such as visions, revelations, or apparitions. While these occurrences are associated with some great mystics, they are not typical. Usually, mystical experiences are ordinary moments where one is touched by God at a level deeper than words, thoughts, imagination, or feelings. This can involve a unique lucidity and clarity, providing a profound sense of centredness and an understanding beyond words and imagination.
To pursue Catholic mysticism, one must strive for holiness and virtue, as deviating from this path can lead to destructive outcomes. It is important to learn about how God's grace operates in the soul, removing obstacles that hinder His action, and opening oneself up to receive His gifts and graces. Resources such as EWTN programs, audiobooks, and podcasts can provide guidance on mystical prayer and the methods practised by the saints.
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The ordinary mystic
Mysticism is often associated with extraordinary and paranormal experiences, such as visions, revelations, and apparitions. However, the reality is that mystical experiences are accessible to everyone, and they are often ordinary moments where one is touched by God at a level deeper than words, thought, imagination, and feeling. This is the domain of the ordinary mystic.
Mysticism is a tradition of mystical practices and theology within Christianity. It is about preparing for, being conscious of, and experiencing a direct and transformative presence of God or divine love. Mysticism, according to its etymology, implies a relation to mystery, and it seeks to unite the human soul with the Divine through contemplation and love.
How to be an Ordinary Mystic
Anyone can have a mystical experience, but being a mystic is about giving meaningful expression to that experience. Here are some ways to cultivate a mystical life:
- Prayer and Meditation: Contemplative prayer and meditation on holy scripture can help one focus their attention on God. St. Teresa of Avila describes contemplative prayer as "a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us."
- Holiness and Virtue: Leading a life of holiness and virtue is essential. This involves removing obstacles that come between you and God's grace, allowing you to receive His gifts more fully.
- Study and Understanding: Learning about mystical theology and how God's grace works in the soul can help guide your spiritual journey. Resources like EWTN's programs, St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life," and podcasts like "Catholic Classics" can provide valuable insights.
- Invitation to the Saints: Inviting the saints into your life can be a roadmap to a deeper relationship with God. Reading about the lives and experiences of saints, such as St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, can inspire and guide your own mystical path.
- Awareness and Clarity: Mystical experiences often bring a sense of clarity and lucidity, helping you know yourself and your world more profoundly. They can be moments where you sense God's presence and love in a unique and profound way.
Remember, the path of the ordinary mystic is a journey of spiritual progress, leading to an ever-deepening union with Christ and the Divine. It is a beautiful and transformative path that is open to all who seek it.
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