How do you deal with Mysteries?

[Mekio]

There are things in our faith which we cannot and will not comprehend since we are finite and God is infinite. For example, the doctrine of the Trinity, the hypostatic union of Christ (that he is both God and man at the same time), nothingness, infinity, etc.

Sometimes I have a hard time with questions that cannot be answered, but usually in the end I ended up simply trusting in God like a child would trust his/her loving parents.

How do you deal with Mysteries and keep your faith?

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

You hit the nail on the head: Trust.

My wife and I just had a similar conversation last night. We were discussing things we do not understand and the doubts that surface as a result. There is nothing wrong with doubt. Where we get into trouble is when we stop to trust because of our doubt.

The perfect example is when Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. She had her doubts as well. But she also trusted that she would not be led astray. We need to follow Mary’s example of perfect trust in where God is leading us.

 

[NPC]

I think - as you have acknowledged- it is because of one’s faith that they are able to deal with Mysteries. Trust in God is what helps us to accept these things. Some mysteries such as the True Presence are explained in Scripture and it is clear what is being explained, but it is still incomprehensible to the human brain how Bread and Wine can become the Body and Blood of Christ. Similarly, the idea of infinity - that God has been here forever and will be here forever is beyond our comprehension. I need faith to contemplate such an idea, because if I examine it from a purely ‘human’ point of view I get the feeling that my brain is going to explode!! So I think you are right to listen to the Spirit and trust that God has all the answers - trust your faith, because I think the soul is able to understand such mysteries that are far beyond the reach of the brain!

 

[GemmaRose]

Yes, trust is the answer - a childlike trust.

For example, regarding the Eucharist, I know what the Catholic Church teaches… but humanly speaking, it doesn’t make much sense. But Jesus said “This is My Body…,” and that’s good enough for me and I believe it wholeheartedly.

Likewise, building a Church on a simple fisherman? Well, if Peter was Jesus’ choice, he’s certainly good enough for me!

God - one but three? I don’t have a clue, but if Jesus said He and the Father are one, and they would send the Holy Spirit… then three in one it is.

God creating everything out of nothing? I don’t understand it, can’t explain it… but I figure He’s God! He can do anything He wants and is able to do anything He wants.

God being infinite - always was, always will be, uncreated, existing before all else, timeless, etc. - well that’s so far beyond my comprehension that I don’t worry about it! I’ve told the Lord that I would love to be able to understand, and that maybe in heaven He can explain it a little to me… but until then, I’ll just believe as best I can. :ehh: :hypno: :whacky:

Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should be uneducated about our faith; but for things the human mind can’t comprehend, childlike trust is the only way to keep strong in the faith.

 

[Didi]

I remember reading somewhere that the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary are called mysteries because they are so deep and full of revelations that we can contemplate them all our lives and never exhaust the possibilities.

I have found this to be true. It seems like whatever situation I’m in or question I have, that as I contemplate the Mysteries of the Rosary, new insights and revelations are discovered and I have one of those “aha” moments.

It is the same with the other great mysteries of our faith. While we will never completely understand them or exhaust the possibilities, we can have some of those “aha” moments that relate to our lives.

 

[soma]

I feel the love of Christ presents man’s spirit with an intuitive understanding that the mysteries of faith can be brought into existence and appreciated. These mysteries are given to us to be mastered, and they seek understanding, not only in reflection, but also in prayer and meditation. God is everything, which we try to represent for the intellect and is infinitely more so we pass from philosophical understanding to faith, and then we pass from faith to spiritual understanding. Spiritual understanding is an intensification of faith transforming it into a vision, an experience and a mystical union.

 

[PatrickJT914]

I’m a little awestruck and amazed at times. My finite mind can’t even begin to understand. The Church Fathers and Mothers, the Doctors and theologians explain the best way possible so I’ll go by what they say.

I also call to mind in scripture, where Jesus says until you become like a little child… Meaning children are very trusting, dependent on their parents, awed at things of wonder, their eyes light up when told a good story, etc.

Remember when Thomas doubted Jesus resurrection? You know the rest of the story. But the words Jesus spoke to Thomas, …you believe because you have seen me, how blessed are those who believe, but have not seen.

The Nicene Creed in part says.“I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all things both visible and invisible.”

In essense trust and hope. In time God will reveal the mysteries to us.

 

[MarieVeronica]

usually in the end I ended up simply trusting in God like a child would trust his/her loving parents.

My experience, exactly. And when I become perturbed… at my own inability to understand… my comfort is this…

“Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed”

(John 20:29)

God bless.

 

[Mekio]

Thanks for the reply all. I guess I’m not the only clueless one here :hypno:

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Thanks for the reply all. I guess I’m not the only clueless one here :hypno:

I don’t think it’s a matter of being clueless. It is simply that we are finite, and as such are incapable of understanding the infinite. The others are so correct when they say we must trust in God. The extent of God’s love and mercy is so far beyond our capacity to understand that the gulf is greater than that of a newborn infant compared to a genius. This does not even begin to describe the gap between us. The great thing is that we can know through faith that this love and mercy for us is by the God of pure love. Remember what Paul described in his epistle to the Corinthians. “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on the mind of man what God has in store for those who love him.”
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[Augustine]

Others have already mentioned a lot of good ways dealing with Holy Mysteries, but I’d just add that sometimes more light can be shed in them through poetic language, be it a poem, an icon or a painting. Not that they help to verbalize an explanation, but they can get us more acquainted with the Mysteries of Faith by confirming and assuring God’s will to reveal Himself to us even beyond our abilities.