Thursday, July 30, 2015

Christian Mysticism

"I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat." 2 Cor. 12:2-4

These words from St. Paul are often a mystery to many. They show us that Paul was a person who was truly connected to God in a deep and mystical way and often had experiences that transcend the norms of our reality. However, St. Paul is not the only Christian to have these type of deep and moving encounters with God. Throughout history many people have reported such experiences with the divine. Encounters that take place in dreams, visions, strong inclinations, physical manifestations, and other such forms. However, with every encounter, the person coming into God's presence, often reports feeling changed, as though they have been given a deeper insight into the very nature of the divine.

While there are many examples I could point to in history the one I have been thinking about lately happened to Thomas Merton, that famous Catholic monastic who died in 1968. He is reported to have  been walking along a busy street in the city of Louisville, KY when we was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that he loved all the people he saw walking around. Then he began to see them shining like the sun and looked directly into their hearts to see them as God sees them. He loved them for a moment like God loved them.

What’s amazing about these types of experiences, are that they happen all the time. And not just to great saints but to regular folks like us. However, they aren't often talked about. These mystical experiences are usually kept in the private places of one’s heart where our true encounters with God take place. Moments such as these are truly gifts from God. The effect they seem to have is to enable us to know God in a deeper way. They can also be an incredible source of strength and encouragement for us when live becomes strenuous.

Thank you O Lord for blessings such as these!!!

1 comment:

  1. Peter, Years ago, I had a healing experience that I know was from God. I think about it often, because it reminds me just how personal God can be. I was a young mother home alone with my two preschool children. My husband was out of town in another state. I didn't live near family and did not have close friends. I became sick with a virulent GI illness. By evening, I was so exhausted and still so sick, I didn't know how I could continue to care for my children. I cried out loud to God, "Please, God, heal me!" Five minutes later, I was completely well! No aches, no pains, no tiredness. You don't have to be a doctor or a nurse to know that this is not the way normal healing occurs. The room did not fill with light and angels, but the sickness was replaced with peace, wellness and thankfulness.

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