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Deana
Guest
That is so cool! St. Faustina is my patron saint.
Deana
- Status
Deana
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Joysong
Guest
Nice to read your agreement everyone. :tiphat: Thank you that we are in unison with our understanding!
Deana,
I was saying the Joyful mysteries today which is appropriate for Monday, and I thought about another mystic as I thought about the Visitation – St. Elizabeth. Surely Mary did not walk into her home and announce, guess whom I am carrying? … but there was a sense of “knowing” that the Holy Spirit infused in St. Elizabth somehow in order to recognize the Lord in Mary who stood before her. And of course, we have the beautiful Magnificat as her prayer response.
If we are in grace and walking in the Spirit of Christ, somehow he lets us know when there is beauty of spirit in someone we meet. What a gift! I find myself praising God for their virtues, and I lift them up asking He may keep them faithful and give them even more holiness.
Yes, St. Faustina is one of the very great saints for our time. If you haven’t yet ordered her Diary, it is very reasonably priced at Amazon. Might be a nice lenten devotion to study it.
Deana,
I was saying the Joyful mysteries today which is appropriate for Monday, and I thought about another mystic as I thought about the Visitation – St. Elizabeth. Surely Mary did not walk into her home and announce, guess whom I am carrying? … but there was a sense of “knowing” that the Holy Spirit infused in St. Elizabth somehow in order to recognize the Lord in Mary who stood before her. And of course, we have the beautiful Magnificat as her prayer response.
If we are in grace and walking in the Spirit of Christ, somehow he lets us know when there is beauty of spirit in someone we meet. What a gift! I find myself praising God for their virtues, and I lift them up asking He may keep them faithful and give them even more holiness.
Yes, St. Faustina is one of the very great saints for our time. If you haven’t yet ordered her Diary, it is very reasonably priced at Amazon. Might be a nice lenten devotion to study it.
F
fhansen
Guest
I’m not a contemplative or a mystic but I received that type of experience once about 18 years ago. It would take time to relate it all but it was extremely profound and will always continue to affect my life. If I could “manufacture” it I’d be there now. I’ve recently spoken of it more openly then I have in the past. I feel that if I don’t use it to encourage people then I’d be guilty of burying a light which was meant to shine. In its simplest form, it just means that God is real and that all that our faith says about Him is true and “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived that which God has prepared for those who love Him”. There’s a lot more to it than that but, in any case, you’re right that people should share these events, whether they are one-time or ongoing. My reasons for not being as free with it as maybe I should’ve include: 1) I’m weak. I know that there are those who’ll think I’m a “kook” or a liar. Even with Christians, some may take it for the encouragement it’s meant to be while others seem to express an unbelieving jealousy. And Jesus said to watch where we cast our pearls, you know but, of course, the Church teaches that while private revelations are absolutely possible, no one is bound to accept them and I would never expect that anyone should automatically. 2) I’ve continued to struggle with-and thankfully win many victories over-my own attraction for sin and the things of this world, but all such attractions have the nature of drawing us away from God. 3) It takes time for seeds to grow and bear fruit.
I’m a very ordinary person and not so holy but I’ve pretty much always been an earnest seeker of God. I didn’t pursue this experience. It came to me-not in a monastery or church but in a barn of all places. I could not remain standing-not out of a sense of propriety but because I literally could NOT remain standing in this Presence. It’s easier to believe in and even idolize the experiences of saints who’ve passed on but I believe we will be hearing more from regular folk on these matters and my hope is that, while we have to be discerning, we don’t discount them too easily.
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Filius99993
Guest
I know what you’re talking about, as I too have had something similar occur to me (just once, though).
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fxcc
Guest
Here’s one: www.ronrolheiser.com
I suppose he’s more a ‘contemplative’ than a ‘mystic’, but nonetheless his insights are profound. His writings nourish and uplift my faith so much. Some are absolutely apostolic in their message.
God bless.
I suppose he’s more a ‘contemplative’ than a ‘mystic’, but nonetheless his insights are profound. His writings nourish and uplift my faith so much. Some are absolutely apostolic in their message.
God bless.
G
Gabrielis
Guest
“Already the new men are dotted here and there all over the earth.
Some, as I have admitted, are still hardly recognizable: but others
can be recognised. Every now and then one meets them. Their very voices and faces are different from ours: stronger, quieter,
happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off. They
are, I say, recognisable; but you must know what to look for. They
will not be very like the idea of ‘religious people’ which you have
formed from your general reading. They do not draw
attention to themselves. You tend to think you are being kind to
them when they are really being kind to you. They love you more
than other men do, but they need you less…They will usually seem to have a lot of time: you will wonder where it comes from. When you have recognised one of them, you will recognise the next one much more easily. And I strongly suspect (but how should I know?) that they recognise one another immediately and infallibly, across every barrier of colour, sex, class, age, and even of creeds. In that way, to become holy is rather like joining a secret society. To put it at its very lowest, it must be great fun.”
O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek;
To those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah, this no tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is None but His loved ones know.
— St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee.”
Some, as I have admitted, are still hardly recognizable: but others
can be recognised. Every now and then one meets them. Their very voices and faces are different from ours: stronger, quieter,
happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off. They
are, I say, recognisable; but you must know what to look for. They
will not be very like the idea of ‘religious people’ which you have
formed from your general reading. They do not draw
attention to themselves. You tend to think you are being kind to
them when they are really being kind to you. They love you more
than other men do, but they need you less…They will usually seem to have a lot of time: you will wonder where it comes from. When you have recognised one of them, you will recognise the next one much more easily. And I strongly suspect (but how should I know?) that they recognise one another immediately and infallibly, across every barrier of colour, sex, class, age, and even of creeds. In that way, to become holy is rather like joining a secret society. To put it at its very lowest, it must be great fun.”
Code:
Sounds like a pretty apt description of mystics to me, but then, as he himself says, how should I know?To those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah, this no tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is None but His loved ones know.
— St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee.”
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Dorothy
Guest
Gabrielis,
Thank you for sharing those words from C. S. Lewis.
I think of our Blessed Mother, and how she must have looked while living on this earth.
Some noticed a specialness about her, and others did not. And, she was full of grace beyond our imagining.
Thank you for sharing those words from C. S. Lewis.
I think of our Blessed Mother, and how she must have looked while living on this earth.
Some noticed a specialness about her, and others did not. And, she was full of grace beyond our imagining.
M
Mystic_Warrior
Guest
I probably should not reply (voice in my head says no)
I think there’s a difference in definition between Catholics and protestants about exactly what a mystic is. My definition can be found here. Just because of my “handle” I’ve been called many things not very nice.
I’m a protestant, born and raised Southern Baptist. I went through some dark times, even practiced Buddhism. But, now I’ve come back to Christianity because of certain events in my life. I’ve come to know good and evil through experience that dogma could not define.
I gave up scholasticism, intellectualism and emotionalism. I found that the approach of mystics of the past and present was the right path for me in knowing God and knowing evil. I confronted evil by “accident” one day and have never been the same since. It was only when I confronted evil that I knew experientially how holy and powerful the Lord Jesus really is.
Anyway, I’m not holy. I’m a normal person who has weird experiences that I will never fully discuss. I’m not special. I’m rather boring. I do not sit in meditation or contemplation all day, although I do meditate. And yet I call myself a mystic Christian because that’s the best label I can come up with.
For me, it’s about one’s approach to life that makes them a mystic, not just the outward view of a monk sitting in a field or monastery all alone. To me, mystics are those who live outside of physical senses and dogma and seek to commune with God inwardly. So, how can you spot a mystic by looking at their outward appearance?
God be praised for His mighty works.
Peace…
MW
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Mystic_Warrior
Guest
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Dorothy
Guest
In the Catholic tradition (I am Catholic) we have the Doctors of the Church on Prayer - St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Therese of Lisieux.
There are many other saints who have been gifted to offer advice about practicing a life of virtue and prayer.
Their descriptions of the road map to sanctification is of great value to us.
Sanctification, (being made holy), is open to all of us, because God’s grace is not wanting, but we need to be receptive to it.
As many of the saints grew nearer to union with the Lord, they may have shared their experience of “mystical graces”.
It is God’s decision when, and why to give these graces, and it is His desire that we all reach the fullness of perfection that He has ordained for us. All things are possible with Him.
As we allow Him to sanctify us through prayer and the Sacraments others will more readily be attracted to do the same.
I believe St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross received mystical graces in order to share with us the deep things of God, and to encourage us. In humility, they realized they were but dust, but that God loved them infinitely.
By comparison, St. Therese of Lisieux did not share the kind of experiences of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. She died at age 24 as a martyr to the Love of God, accepting her sufferings and loving Jesus more each day. They all reign with Christ triumphantly, bright lights, reflecting the Light of Christ.
Their example helps me follow the Lord. All Christians are called to follow the Lord; to be more like Him. It is a pilgrimage, a journey in this life.
Do we need to label them (the saints) or ourselves as being “mystics”? Is there something glamorous about that word?
To different people that word can mean different things, so it can get confusing.
There are many other saints who have been gifted to offer advice about practicing a life of virtue and prayer.
Their descriptions of the road map to sanctification is of great value to us.
Sanctification, (being made holy), is open to all of us, because God’s grace is not wanting, but we need to be receptive to it.
As many of the saints grew nearer to union with the Lord, they may have shared their experience of “mystical graces”.
It is God’s decision when, and why to give these graces, and it is His desire that we all reach the fullness of perfection that He has ordained for us. All things are possible with Him.
As we allow Him to sanctify us through prayer and the Sacraments others will more readily be attracted to do the same.
I believe St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross received mystical graces in order to share with us the deep things of God, and to encourage us. In humility, they realized they were but dust, but that God loved them infinitely.
By comparison, St. Therese of Lisieux did not share the kind of experiences of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. She died at age 24 as a martyr to the Love of God, accepting her sufferings and loving Jesus more each day. They all reign with Christ triumphantly, bright lights, reflecting the Light of Christ.
Their example helps me follow the Lord. All Christians are called to follow the Lord; to be more like Him. It is a pilgrimage, a journey in this life.
Do we need to label them (the saints) or ourselves as being “mystics”? Is there something glamorous about that word?
To different people that word can mean different things, so it can get confusing.
M
Mystic_Warrior
Guest
Dorothy,
I hope that by asking Deana the question about gifts that you don’t think I’m doubting what they have to give to the world. I was just trying to understand what she was asking.
In speaking of labels, you asked why people should label themselves or others as saints or mystics. I don’t know. Don’t we use labels for everything else? You use the label Catholic. I use the label protestant. Labels don’t define us, but are useful for our rational minds.
I label myself mystic for the same reason I label myself protestant, white, father, husband, manager, etc. It helps with identifying and categorizing things and people.
To me there’s nothing glamorous about being labeled a mystic. In fact, I feel it’s the opposite. I don’t think it makes one special or holier than another. It’s simply a different way of living, in my opinion. It’s about a different approach to one’s spirituality, no better or worse than being a theologian, teacher, deacon, priest, etc.
Yes, what defines a mystic is confusing depending on the person. We all have our own definition on what it means to be successful or happy. And it’s the same with other aspects of our life.
Peace…
MW
I hope that by asking Deana the question about gifts that you don’t think I’m doubting what they have to give to the world. I was just trying to understand what she was asking.
In speaking of labels, you asked why people should label themselves or others as saints or mystics. I don’t know. Don’t we use labels for everything else? You use the label Catholic. I use the label protestant. Labels don’t define us, but are useful for our rational minds.
I label myself mystic for the same reason I label myself protestant, white, father, husband, manager, etc. It helps with identifying and categorizing things and people.
To me there’s nothing glamorous about being labeled a mystic. In fact, I feel it’s the opposite. I don’t think it makes one special or holier than another. It’s simply a different way of living, in my opinion. It’s about a different approach to one’s spirituality, no better or worse than being a theologian, teacher, deacon, priest, etc.
Yes, what defines a mystic is confusing depending on the person. We all have our own definition on what it means to be successful or happy. And it’s the same with other aspects of our life.
Peace…
MW
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Dorothy
Guest
Mystic Warrior,
I do thank you for sharing! I was trying to explain what the word “mystic” means to me, and that it seems to mean different things to different people.
Yes, it is true that labels don’t define us. Words and labels can be pointers to what we are trying to convey to another. ( I myself struggle with the use of words to articulate what I mean.)
Mystic Warrior wrote: << To me there’s nothing glamorous about being labeled a mystic. In fact, I feel it’s the opposite. I don’t think it makes one special or holier than another. It’s simply a different way of living, in my opinion. It’s about a different approach to one’s spirituality, no better or worse than being a theologian, teacher, deacon, priest, etc.>>
I didn’t mean to sound critical towards you personally by using the word “glamorous” with regard to what some people think about what “mystic” means. I prefer the word “contemplative” - one who takes prayer seriously and wants to grow in the virtues (especially love & humility) so as to follow the Lord.
Thank you for contributing to the thread!
God bless you,
Dorothy
I do thank you for sharing! I was trying to explain what the word “mystic” means to me, and that it seems to mean different things to different people.
Yes, it is true that labels don’t define us. Words and labels can be pointers to what we are trying to convey to another. ( I myself struggle with the use of words to articulate what I mean.)
Mystic Warrior wrote: << To me there’s nothing glamorous about being labeled a mystic. In fact, I feel it’s the opposite. I don’t think it makes one special or holier than another. It’s simply a different way of living, in my opinion. It’s about a different approach to one’s spirituality, no better or worse than being a theologian, teacher, deacon, priest, etc.>>
I didn’t mean to sound critical towards you personally by using the word “glamorous” with regard to what some people think about what “mystic” means. I prefer the word “contemplative” - one who takes prayer seriously and wants to grow in the virtues (especially love & humility) so as to follow the Lord.
Thank you for contributing to the thread!
God bless you,
Dorothy
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Mystic_Warrior
Guest
And you did a good job. I thought it was very well thought out.
No, I don’t think you were critical. You were asking honest questions. No, I have to thank you for you contribution. The best post I’ve seen on this thread.
God bless you as well…
MW
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Dorothy
Guest
<>
And, His blessings back to you again!
Peace,
Dorothy
And, His blessings back to you again!
Peace,
Dorothy
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AveSantaMaria
Guest
Many of us have probably experienced mystical experiences. It may be different than contemplation, because perhaps not all who contemplate experience mysticism and not all mystics understand what the word contemplation means although I suppose they are praying contemplatively without knowing what it means. Here is a precise definition: ewtn.com/fatima/apparitions/theology.htm
*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *
Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.
For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world! For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world! For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *
*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *
Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.
For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world! For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world! For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *
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wcknight
Guest
In a sense we are all called to be mystics. We are all called to holiness, called to share in the mystical body of Christ.
But as far as mystics in the classical sense, St. Padre Pio is the last great mystic that I’m aware of. He died in the 1960s. He was a prolific miracle worker, suffered the stigmata for 50 years, and lived a very holy life. Hearing confessions for many hours, saying mass, praying constantly and visiting the sick were his life’s work.
True mystics are often called to suffer intensely and to offer up their suffering in union with Christ for the expiation of sins of others.
Padre Pio, St Teresa, St Rose of Lime, St Catherine of Siena and many others, in addition to being great miracle workers, offered themselves up as victim souls. Accepting pain and suffering for the sins of others was part of their life’s work.
Some like St. Rose went to extreme measures even to the point of inflicting pain or injury upon themselves. It’s a concept that non-Catholics often mock, especially Hollywood, and even many Catholics think is unnecessary or excessive.
But as far as mystics in the classical sense, St. Padre Pio is the last great mystic that I’m aware of. He died in the 1960s. He was a prolific miracle worker, suffered the stigmata for 50 years, and lived a very holy life. Hearing confessions for many hours, saying mass, praying constantly and visiting the sick were his life’s work.
True mystics are often called to suffer intensely and to offer up their suffering in union with Christ for the expiation of sins of others.
Padre Pio, St Teresa, St Rose of Lime, St Catherine of Siena and many others, in addition to being great miracle workers, offered themselves up as victim souls. Accepting pain and suffering for the sins of others was part of their life’s work.
Some like St. Rose went to extreme measures even to the point of inflicting pain or injury upon themselves. It’s a concept that non-Catholics often mock, especially Hollywood, and even many Catholics think is unnecessary or excessive.
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beckycmarie
Guest
WCKnight, I am so glad you posted in this thread today! Just this past week I was trying so hard to remember who it was that posted the book that Dorothy described below. I could recall the description but not the title or who posted it! I would not have been able to find this post in a forum search - thanks for digging up this thread and revealing this little gold nugget!
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beckycmarie
Guest
Opps - that was AveSantaMaria who first replied - thanks for bringing back this thread. 
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littleone
Guest
You are right and they DO share also they have NO ability to HIDE anything.
Contemplation is a relationship with God that is more so hidden.
Mysticism is a relationship where as God takes over that persons life for HIS REASONS, and they are expressed to any person and why because God has a certain reason at that time.
Look at St Terese of Avila was she Mystic or contemplative? St Therese the little flower was she mystic or contemplative?
Mystics are one in 100,000, or more, where contemplatives are 1 in 5 or so.
The life chosen is one chosen by God NOT the person.
Jesus tells us that “many are called, but few are chosen”.
The mystic can also be put into a situation (as the prophet) where they have no rights! because God is the one who has taken over. They might (possibly would) at times say “Lord why me?” But they would be over joyed with the response to whay God has done and in the perfect timeing so that the great works that God has wanted done, has been done. Meaniong, they see the change in others through God’s intervention through using the mystic how He has.
That is a little I hope it helps.
Godbless
S
saintsilvan
Guest
i think i know someone who is about to become a mystic. he is just growing spiritually but i think he will be a mystic if spiritually guided accordingly
- Status