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!!!
