Catholic mysticism / Spirtual warfare

[cyberwolf001]

I have a simple question. Is mysticisim in the church soly for the monastics?

Or can any lay person with the time an feeling the pull ingage in it?

Are there any good books on the subject?

What of spirtual warfare? I love the material I see on St. Michael’s media an plan to purchase several of the books when I can.

What is the layman’s duty in this sphere?

 

[puzzleannie]

I have a simple question. Is mysticisim in the church soly for the monastics?

Or can any lay person with the time an feeling the pull ingage in it?

Are there any good books on the subject?
?

one does not “engage in” mysticism or infused contemplation it is a gift from God and God intiates the movement. Every Christian is called to prayer, reading scripture, meditation and contemplation. In fact, that is the basis of both the liturgy–public prayer of the church including LOTH and of popular private devotions especially the rosary and the way of the Cross. Everyone should make time for mental prayer as opposed to vocal recitation or use of words, in silence, to listen to the Lord. After building this habit after a time one will be drawn into contemplation, a wordless silent state beyond meditation, which involves mental activity, where no apparent activity in the mind or soul can be perceived but where in silence and stillness I allow God to act in me. The mystic is further gifted with insights, spiritual experiences or illuminations during contemplation, but this is something God does, nothing you do or say can make it happen, except artificially. The mystic is drawn by God into a state of infused contemplation.

The classics are Ascent of Mt Carmel and Dark Night by John of the Cross, and the Interior Castle (a good first book on the spiritual life) by Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

For a good modern guide beginners guide to the spiritual life, Spiritual Passages by Fr. Groeschel is great. For someone a bit more advanced, all Fr. Dubay’s books are great.

 

[Shoshana]

one does not “engage in” mysticism or infused contemplation it is a gift from God and God intiates the movement. Every Christian is called to prayer, reading scripture, meditation and contemplation. In fact, that is the basis of both the liturgy–public prayer of the church including LOTH and of popular private devotions especially the rosary and the way of the Cross. Everyone should make time for mental prayer as opposed to vocal recitation or use of words, in silence, to listen to the Lord. After building this habit after a time one will be drawn into contemplation, a wordless silent state beyond meditation, which involves mental activity, where no apparent activity in the mind or soul can be perceived but where in silence and stillness I allow God to act in me. The mystic is further gifted with insights, spiritual experiences or illuminations during contemplation, but this is something God does, nothing you do or say can make it happen, except artificially. The mystic is drawn by God into a state of infused contemplation.

The classics are Ascent of Mt Carmel and Dark Night by John of the Cross, and the Interior Castle (a good first book on the spiritual life) by Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

For a good modern guide beginners guide to the spiritual life, Spiritual Passages by Fr. Groeschel is great. For someone a bit more advanced, all Fr. Dubay’s books are great.

Womderful advice puzzleannie!!!

 

[puzzleannie]

forgot to emphasize that beyond striving to conquer our sins, remain in a state of grace, frequent recourse to the sacraments, reading scripture and attending to our prayer life, there is nothing you can do to induce a mystical state or infused contemplation. There are no techniques, methods, short-cuts, mantras or practices that have value other than helping you deal with distractions, quiet wordly anxieties and worries, helping you relax. Do not mistake a state of relaxation or even peaceful and beneficial thoughts and feelings that arise during prayer for mystical experiences.

 

[rciadan]

one does not “engage in” mysticism or infused contemplation it is a gift from God and God intiates the movement. Every Christian is called to prayer, reading scripture, meditation and contemplation. In fact, that is the basis of both the liturgy–public prayer of the church including LOTH and of popular private devotions especially the rosary and the way of the Cross. Everyone should make time for mental prayer as opposed to vocal recitation or use of words, in silence, to listen to the Lord. After building this habit after a time one will be drawn into contemplation, a wordless silent state beyond meditation, which involves mental activity, where no apparent activity in the mind or soul can be perceived but where in silence and stillness I allow God to act in me. The mystic is further gifted with insights, spiritual experiences or illuminations during contemplation, but this is something God does, nothing you do or say can make it happen, except artificially. The mystic is drawn by God into a state of infused contemplation.

The classics are Ascent of Mt Carmel and Dark Night by John of the Cross, and the Interior Castle (a good first book on the spiritual life) by Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

For a good modern guide beginners guide to the spiritual life, Spiritual Passages by Fr. Groeschel is great. For someone a bit more advanced, all Fr. Dubay’s books are great.

Ditto, PuzzleAnnie! I might also add one bit of advice. Find a good orthodox spiritual director first. To go this path without competent guidance can be dangerous to your soul.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

It couldn’t be said better than how puzzleannie explained it!
Right on puzzleannie!

Jim

 

[Shoshana]

Ditto, PuzzleAnnie! I might also add one bit of advice. Find a good orthodox spiritual director first. To go this path without competent guidance can be dangerous to your soul.

This is absolutely true! One cannot walk this journey or any journey for that matter when it comes to the Faith without the direction of a priest who is loyal to the Magisterium!

 

[cyberwolf001]

Thanks everyone for your posts.

Can’t wait to hear the views on spirtual warfare.