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A possibility accessible to all
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2014) offers a definition of mysticism: "Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called "mystical" because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments - "the holy mysteries" - and, in him, in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. God calls us all to this intimate union with him, even if the special graces or extraordinary signs of this mystical life are granted only to some for the sake of manifesting the gratuitous gift given to all."
Christian mysticism is the profound, intimate, and radical union with God of those who journey on a path of inner transformation and awareness, through the light of grace and personal commitment. It is the pinnacle of prayer and the spiritual life, for it is the discovery of God within oneself and of oneself within God. It is the fruit of a journey of exodus from our fragilities to the promised land of the mystical life.
The mystical life is accessible to all. It's a journey of deep spiritual maturation, revealing the beauty and intensity of union with God. This is the core of mysticism. While extraordinary phenomena may occur, the essence of mysticism lies in the intimate communion with God.
Christocentric dimension
Christian mysticism is grounded in Christ. Mystics have drawn nourishment from the paschal mystery and the entirety of Jesus' earthly life to guide their contemplative and mystical journey. Union with God has been sought and experienced by many mystics.
Trinitarian and Marian Dimension
The mystic experiences a profound union with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are in communion with the Three Divine Persons and walk in faith, allowing themselves to be guided on their daily journey towards the awareness and joy of the Trinitarian indwelling. Many Christian authors have spoken of "deification" to describe the work of the Trinity within the mystic.
The Virgin Mary is the model for those who discover God within themselves and themselves within God. She experienced this reality both spiritually and physically, and thus invites us to contemplate and cherish the divine presence within us. She is a sublime example for those who desire a deeper union with Christ, having lived it in an eminent way.
Ecclesial- Sacramental Dimension
The mystic enriches the Church with their insights and unique experiences: they leave a message and a witness for all their brothers and sisters, pointing them towards the mystical path.They draw nourishment from the Church through the Word and the Sacraments.The mystic's life is ecclesial, as it deeply rooted in the Church community.
Interior- Operative Dimension
The mystical life allows one to grow in love. Mystics are men and women who offer the best to their brothers and sisters precisely because of their profound union with God. The value of mysticism is admired in the acts of kindness that are performed. A life of prayer leads to a life of service.
Eschatological Dimension
Mysticism points us towards the eternal gift of God.The mystical experience is the beginning of the joy that is experienced in the Kingdom of Heaven and towards which we all tend. This is the ultimate goal for every Christian, a destination that the mystic can already see on the horizon.
Charismatic Dimension
Every spiritual tradition has a mystical dimension. Orders like the Carmelites, Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, and many others, have their own unique mystical paths and their own mystics who have lived their charism to the fullest.The individual spiritualities of religious families describe different types of mystical life that are in harmony with each other
God invites everyone to discover the depth and beauty of union with Him, to experience a more intense and engaging prayer and faith. It is God who invites the person to the mystical life, leads them with His grace to an intimate communion with Him, and makes them experience His guidance through an indescribable joy.
The mystical life is the fruit of maturation in faith in which a harmonious synergy is realised between the grace that emanates from God and our own commitment. Step by step, we come to experience God dwelling within us and ourselves dwelling in God. Many Christian Fathers and writers have described this journey in various ways.
Article published in the volume
L. Bianchi-R. Di Muro (edited by), In dialogo. Metodo scientifico e stile di vita, Dehoniane, Bologna 2020.
Mysticism is rooted in contemplation. Contemplation is the search for God in prayer, in lectio divina, in the events of every day.The contemplative needs quiet and solitude to discover the riches of a profound union with God. God lives within us, and we in Him.
The language of mystics is paradoxical, characterized by metaphors and symbols.This is because mystical experiences are so intense and unique that they are difficult to describe in simple words.The mystic is a poet who narrates his union with God in all its involvement with words that hint at the beauty of what he experiences.
The mystic undergoes a process of inner purification to deepen their union with God.This involves a journey of spiritual discipline that leads to inner transformation and the mystical life. It is a demanding yet liberating journey, aimed at creating the interior space so that God's grace may operate at its best.
The Threefold Way, The Interior Castle, and The Ascent of Mount Carmel are just a few examples of spiritual writings that outline specific mystical paths. Saints and spiritual teachers throughout history have shown us that the mystical journey is open to all.
Mysticism is described with the metaphor of marriage. The union between God and the believer is so intense and profound that it can be described in the language of matrimony. Medieval mystics in particular expressed themselves in this way, considering Christ their Spouse.
Mysticism is described with the symbol of light. The mystic experiences being illuminated by God in his intellect, in his spirit, and in his actions, in an indescribable way. This union can be described by speaking of its light. Many authors of the ancient Church expressed mysticism in this way.
At a certain point in their journey, mystics experience spiritual aridity, similar to the perception of God's absence. It is a great inner purification. Saint John of the Cross speaks, for example, of the dark night. Many mystical authors have spoken of a 'mysticism of absence', referring to the times of interior aridity they have experienced.
Contemplation is the path to mysticism.To contemplate means to seek God in prayer, meditation, and daily events. Those who seek God are guided towards the mystical life. This dynamic is wonderfully represented by St. Augustine in the Confessions. Contemplation and mysticism are intimately linked.
Mystics are ordinary people who make a conscious effort to spend time in prayer and meditation. They experience the sublimity of living prayer and the concreteness of serving others. They come to realise that they dwell in God and that God dwells in them. Mystics throughout history have emphasised that this experience is available to everyone, and many have written about their journeys to inspire and encourage others.
Visions, apparitions, interior locutions, bilocation, and stigmatization are just a few of the extraordinary experiences that can accompany the mystical journey, the heart of which remains intimate communion with God.These phenomena are signs of God's work in the mystic's life and can serve as powerful witnesses to the faith. They are often seen as confirmations of the authenticity of the mystical experience. Ultimately, the genuineness of these phenomena depends on the genuineness of the mystic's spiritual life.
Place your mind in the mirror of eternity, place your soul in the splendor of glory, place your heart in the figure of the divine substance, and be transformed. (St. Clare)
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