The most depressing thing about Catholicism - no mystics living on earth

[hazcompat]

And true Mystics don’t make their mysticism public knowledge. They suffer d greatly from the attention they received when God permitted them to go into ecstasy or levitate in public.

this is incorrect.

The mystical body is enriched by those who share the simplest touches of the Holy Spirit.

Peace

 

[BobCatholic]

I suspect this is more of you not knowing how to listen, or what to listen for.

I think I have spiritual autism. I can’t relate to God. That’s why I"m doomed.

So God can speak to us in our hearts, he can speak to us through scripture, he can speak to us through other people.

And that’s why I’m looking for a mystic. I can’t have a conversation with God. So I need to find someone who does.

 

[AKDee]

I think I have spiritual autism. I can’t relate to God. That’s why I"m doomed.

And that’s why I’m looking for a mystic. I can’t have a conversation with God. So I need to find someone who does.

You’re not doomed. In fact, in a way you’re in good company. It sounds a bit like you are having your own version of a “Dark night of the soul” and many Saints experienced that as well.

I think you need to find a way to develop your own relationship with God, rather than rely on someone else’s. I’ll most definitely pray for you for this.

 

[lax16]

A mystic is someone who has 2 way conversations with God.

I am only able to have one way. Prayer is a monologue only.
That’s why I pray for others and won’t pray for my needs, I only have a corporate relationship with God, not a personal one.

Scripture does not give me any personal answers.

The nearest church with Eucharistic adoration is so far away. It is far easier for me to find a mystic in a monastery far away.

I don’t know that I would trust someone that claims to have a two way conversation with God. Now I know of a priest ( he lives in a monastery) that people say can read souls.

He doesn’t say he can, but others say it about him. I find that more believable.

What do you mean scripture doesn’t give you any personal answers? I feel that I understand scripture when I hear or read it (except for the OT) and often I hear it at just the right time in my life - is that what you mean?

 

[petra22]

You’re not doomed. In fact, in a way you’re in good company. It sounds a bit like you are having your own version of a “Dark night of the soul” and many Saints experienced that as well.

I think you need to find a way to develop your own relationship with God, rather than rely on someone else’s. I’ll most definitely pray for you for this.

I’m offering prayers, too!

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

Yes, there are tons of them living in heaven.

But none on earth.

I wanted to talk to someone who had a connection with God so I could ask questions to God through them. God won’t talk to me, but maybe I could talk to God through them.

There are no living mystics on earth.

This is depressing.

This means there is no way for me to ever have a two-way conversation with God.

The real question is if you ran into one who claimed to be a mystic and spoke to God, would you believe them? I probably would have a hard time believing them even if it was true. How would I know? I know they exist. But I probably would have a hard time believing it if I ran into one. Kind of ironic.

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

I think I have spiritual autism. I can’t relate to God. That’s why I"m doomed.

And that’s why I’m looking for a mystic. I can’t have a conversation with God. So I need to find someone who does.

I would continue to look for a spiritual director if I was you. I recently got one by sending a letter to a retreat house 54 miles away. I understand where you are coming from. Things would be so much less stressful if we could actually actually hear God speak to us like we speak to him. If we could ask his questions about what it troubling us. Perhaps the majority of us would not be able to handle that so that is why God does not do it? I dont know. But I do want to say you can relate to God in a way. Jesus was God. He became human. He suffered in his mind and physically just like us. Jesus knows the torture we can have in our mind. It sounds like God the Father was not talking directly to Jesus when he was praying for a possibly way for his horrible death to not have to happen. He can relate to us and we can relate to him in that way. I know it does not make all better to think about that but perhaps it can help in a way. I do not think even if you found a mystic you are going to be able to get a “Ask God this for me please” and “This is what God says” type of correspondence going on. You need spiritual direction though. Keep trying to find one.

 

[petra22]

I hear God most when I am silent. But it’s not a voice, or a pillar of fire, or a burning bush. It’s a thought that comes, one which I know didn’t come from me. Or sometimes it’s the simple answer to a prayer. Recently, I had been praying for understanding on a certain topic- and the next weekend our Pastor gave his homily on the exact topic and there was my answer. So God can speak to us in our hearts, he can speak to us through scripture, he can speak to us through other people.

This, BobCatholic! This!

 

[Methos]

I hear God most when I am silent. But it’s not a voice, or a pillar of fire, or a burning bush. It’s a thought that comes, one which I know didn’t come from me. Or sometimes it’s the simple answer to a prayer. Recently, I had been praying for understanding on a certain topic- and the next weekend our Pastor gave his homily on the exact topic and there was my answer. So God can speak to us in our hearts, he can speak to us through scripture, he can speak to us through other people.

When was the last time you got a haircut? If I knew you, it would take me a few days or even a week or two to notice it. If Moses spoke to Him face to face, why can’t we?

 

[BobCatholic]

You’re not doomed. In fact, in a way you’re in good company. It sounds a bit like you are having your own version of a “Dark night of the soul” and many Saints experienced that as well.

Impossible.

Before I can have a dark night of the soul I have to have a dark night of the senses, and before that, I’m supposed to have this series of consolations or nice pleasant encounters with God.

I’ve not had those consolations.

I think you need to find a way to develop your own relationship with God, rather than rely on someone else’s. I’ll most definitely pray for you for this.

I don’t trust myself. I’m not supposed to.
Thanks for your prayers.

I don’t know that I would trust someone that claims to have a two way conversation with God. Now I know of a priest ( he lives in a monastery) that people say can read souls.

He doesn’t say he can, but others say it about him. I find that more believable.

I agree.

I’m not going to take anyone’s word for it, but I can’t keep doing what I’m doing and that is evil.

What do you mean scripture doesn’t give you any personal answers?

It does not give me personal answers, that apply to me. I only see general things.

Reading scripture basically tells me that in order to be saved I must be a religious order monk who gave up everything. Same thing with lives of the saints. If I take a look at the number of saints the overwhelming vast majority were religious orders or clergy. It is like the laity like me have no place in heaven - especially since I am afraid of poverty.

I like Opus Dei which seems to have a message appealing to laypeople. I had a great spiritual director in Opus Dei, who died, and the remaining people in that house moved to another far away location, so I can’t find another with them.

 

[AKDee]

If Moses spoke to Him face to face, why can’t we?

God had a particular purpose in mind for Moses and the Israelites and chose to reveal himself to Moses for His purpose. He has done that at times for prophets and certain mystics. Perhaps he will do that for you or the OP, but the vast majority of people never get the opportunity for a face-to-face discussion with God while still here on earth. There are things one can do to increase the chances. Regular prayer. Regular adoration. A Holy life. True contrition for sin. Offering reparation to our Lord for the offences we give Him. Etc. But I’m sure that most priests and most nuns do things like this, and yet stories of those who have face-to-face encounters with God are rather rare. Shouldn’t we just trust in God’s plan for us instead of questioning why we didn’t receive some grace that someone else did? Isn’t that a form of envy? And possibly a misplaced desire, since such a Grace undoubtedly comes with its own tests. As our Lord said to St. Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 

[dsfgsadfgsdfg]

Perhaps I’m just slow, but I don’t understand what you mean when you say you can’t talk to God. That talking to him and/or prayers are one way. Am I misunderstanding-because that could truly be the case-but it seems like you are frustrated that you and God cant sit at a table and talk back and forth like 2 humans.

“Reading scripture basically tells me that in order to be saved I must be a religious order monk who gave up everything…especially since I am afraid of poverty.”
Dude, do you understand that millions of people struggle with the issue of money. Don’t have enough, can’t pay bills, am I evil for needing or asking for more, if only I had…, why am I worried about money cause I think I’m not suppose to be doing that, if He loved me I wouldn’t be in this position, if I won the lottery I’d do…, money is the root of all evil so I’m evil if I need it, etc. Thousands and thousands of issues surrounding money.

I wish you had a priest/pastor you could talk to one-on-one about all the issues that are bothering you. Perhaps that would give you the sit-at-a-table discussion that you are looking for.

He hasn’t left you. He hasn’t forgotten about you. He has heard you.
If you need a dictated memo from God, addressing all issues in paragraph format, my friend you are not going to get that.
We are the servants who have the option to live by faith.
He’s not the servant.

 

[powerofk]

Here’s the point, though. We all have dry spells with prayer, and some times where prayer almost seems like a chore or that God isn’t listening or that our prayers are just strange ways of talking to ourselves. Sometimes, these dry spells last days, weeks, months, or even years. It just happens. Why? Who knows. It might be a good idea to talk to your pastor about this - he might be able to recommend a good spiritual advisor to help you. People often think that spiritual advisors are only for those in an ordained vocation or a vocation to consecrated life - or for those discerning such a vocation (for those discerning such a vocation, going to a spiritual advisor is often a requirement to aid the discernment). This isn’t the case. A spiritual advisor is there to help a person recognize for himself or herself how God is working in his or her life.

 

[Methos]

God had a particular purpose in mind for Moses and the Israelites and chose to reveal himself to Moses for His purpose. He has done that at times for prophets and certain mystics. Perhaps he will do that for you or the OP, but the vast majority of people never get the opportunity for a face-to-face discussion with God while still here on earth.

So much for ask and you shall receive.

here are things one can do to increase the chances. Regular prayer. Regular adoration. A Holy life. True contrition for sin. Offering reparation to our Lord for the offences we give Him. Etc.

None of which has helped me. Instead it has had the opposite effect. In the past, when I thought I was changing, improving, people who were considered “good people” in my church did nothing but criticize me. I was able to see their personal flaws, but never said anything as I knew no one ever listens to me. Add this to my mental disorders and life failures. So, why bother?

But I’m sure that most priests and most nuns do things like this, and yet stories of those who have face-to-face encounters with God are rather rare. Shouldn’t we just trust in God’s plan for us instead of questioning why we didn’t receive some grace that someone else did? Isn’t that a form of envy? And possibly a misplaced desire, since such a Grace undoubtedly comes with its own tests. As our Lord said to St. Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

If I ever received a grace, I don’t know it. Sure would helpful if He told me what it was instead of letting me stumbling around in the dark continuously failing and getting frustrated or feeling like a pawn to be used and then put away until next time when one of His special ones needs help. Envy? Yes, I’m envious of people who know their grace, their purpose, can feel happiness, love and joy. I’m tired of being tired and afraid and having those feelings dismissed as nothing.

 

[AKDee]

So much for ask and you shall receive.

None of which has helped me. Instead it has had the opposite effect. In the past, when I thought I was changing, improving, people who were considered “good people” in my church did nothing but criticize me. I was able to see their personal flaws, but never said anything as I knew no one ever listens to me. Add this to my mental disorders and life failures. So, why bother?

If I ever received a grace, I don’t know it. Sure would helpful if He told me what it was instead of letting me stumbling around in the dark continuously failing and getting frustrated or feeling like a pawn to be used and then put away until next time when one of His special ones needs help. Envy? Yes, I’m envious of people who know their grace, their purpose, can feel happiness, love and joy. I’m tired of being tired and afraid and having those feelings dismissed as nothing.

I’m sorry you’re struggling.

When it comes to what other people are saying about you, that should have no impact on your relationship with God. In fact, you can use it to strengthen you relationship to Him. St. Faustina said in her diary “O my Jesus, you know what efforts are needed to live sincerely and unaffectedly with those from whom our nature flees, or with those who, deliberately or not, have made us suffer. Humanly speaking, this is impossible. At such times more than others, I try to discover the Lord Jesus in such a person and for the same Jesus I do everything for such people.”

Do you pray to recognize the graces you have received, and to ask for the graces you need? There are many graces. Faith, hope, charity, humility, love of God, perfect contrition. I would say anything that helps you in your daily life could be counted as a grace, or helps you grow as a person and to grow in your relationship to God. Mary, Our Lady, is known as the Mediatrix of all Graces. If you have a devotion to her, you might ask her to ask Our Lord for the Graces you need.

 

[BobCatholic]

Perhaps I’m just slow, but I don’t understand what you mean when you say you can’t talk to God. That talking to him and/or prayers are one way. Am I misunderstanding-because that could truly be the case-but it seems like you are frustrated that you and God cant sit at a table and talk back and forth like 2 humans.

That’s right.

If my wife gives me the silent treatment, I’m in deep trouble.
If God is giving me the silent treatment, I better get fire insurance!

Dude, do you understand that millions of people struggle with the issue of money.

Other people’s suffering do not give me any joy or comfort. I’m not a sadist.

If you need a dictated memo from God, addressing all issues in paragraph format, my friend you are not going to get that.
We are the servants who have the option to live by faith.
He’s not the servant.

Faith is not blind, it helps one see.
But first, I need my spiritual eyes healed. That means a personal relationship with God.

 

[nodito]

If my wife gives me the silent treatment, I’m in deep trouble.
If God is giving me the silent treatment, I better get fire insurance!

Bob, you keep making this comparison between your wife and God but it’s not at all an apt comparison. In marriage, we exchange rights with our spouse in a way that is unique to marriage and we relate to spouses and earthly parents in a very different way than we do to our Heavenly Father.

Of course you expect your wife to speak to you, and you expect to hear her. This is because she is a human person who has a physical body and lives here on earth in your physical presence. If she were suddenly to stop speaking to you, you would have cause for concern. But our relationship with God is different. Jesus has a physical body but he is in heaven now; you won’t see him wandering around the grocery store and you won’t hear him call you on the telephone. That is okay. It doesn’t make a relationship any less real when you can’t physically touch or hear him. Your relationship with God is based on talking to him, and “listening” for answers from different sources - Scripture, holy men and women in your life, nature, your own sense of peace or unease, etc.

I do agree that you need healing and you need a personal relationship with God. But if you’re expecting the type of personal relationship you have with your wife, you’re going to be disappointed.

 

[nodito]

ISame thing with lives of the saints. If I take a look at the number of saints the overwhelming vast majority were religious orders or clergy. It is like the laity like me have no place in heaven - especially since I am afraid of poverty.

Read Story of a Family. It’s about the home life and the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were very well off, and are to be canonized this October.

 

[BobCatholic]

Bob, you keep making this comparison between your wife and God but it’s not at all an apt comparison. In marriage, we exchange rights with our spouse in a way that is unique to marriage and we relate to spouses and earthly parents in a very different way than we do to our Heavenly Father.

OK, then if my human daddy stopped talking to me and never talked to me again, I’d say he’s angry at me.

The same with my Heavenly Daddy.

I do agree that you need healing and you need a personal relationship with God. But if you’re expecting the type of personal relationship you have with your wife, you’re going to be disappointed.

I thought God was not outdone by generosity (must have missed the fine print, that actually talking to me is not counted as generosity…)

 

[BobCatholic]

Read Story of a Family. It’s about the home life and the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were very well off, and are to be canonized this October.

OK, that’s one lay-couple.

How many others?

Compare that number to the number of religious order folks and clergy?