"In our technological world the word mystic has fallen on hard times. Used mostly in a pejorative sense, mystic has come to mean someone who is spaced out in a dreamy metaphysical fog. An authentic mystic, however, is not a person who engages in unusual forms of prayers accomplished by visions, ecstasies, and levitations. A mystic, in the words of German theologian Karl Rahner, is someone who has experienced something. A mystic is aglow with passionate longing for Jesus Christ, who is sought, loved, and worshiped for himself alone. A mystic is a person whose life is ruled by thirst. That thirst is slaked in prayer, in the knowing-loving-and-delighting in a person. "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).
The contemplative at Christmas grows quiet before "the light [that] shines in the darkness" (John 1:5). He stills his soul and becomes tranquil like a child in its mother's arms. He interiorizes and appropriates to himself the mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love that are embodied in the Child of Bethlehem. He surrenders to the grace of the Word made flesh. He accepts acceptance."
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This is an excerpt from a devotional by Brennan Manning..."Reflections for Ragamuffins". I opened it to my birth date and found myself blessed beyond measure...words that are so close to my heart. A mystic...well, it's what I am...and am becoming more and more. The experience of the Godhead...the eternal...today.
What a special confirmation in a wonderful birthday present!! (Thanks, Melody!)
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