Christian Mystics?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux
"Little Flower of Jesus"
1873-1897





Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, I heard many stories about the lives of saints. I was deeply moved by the way they lived out their faith. Today, I know many of them to be Christian mystics - those who have been touched by God in extraordinary ways.

I think the word mysticism brings about visions of works related to new age philosophies, witchcraft and satanic activity for some people. In reality, mysticism means complete transformation. A Christian mystic seeks to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

God wants to reveal Himself to us. It is His greatest desire for us to know Him and lead others to Jesus. We know Him through Holy Scripture, creation, in prayer and the awareness of the Holy Spirit as we seek the will of God - we experience intimacy with Him. We are told the kingdom of heaven is within us and around us but do we have the eyes to see it or the ears to hear it? I cannot close my heart to the Christian mystics because I think they show us how not to return God's Word to Him empty of the response He demands of us in Holy Scripture.

It is said that Christian mystics live the Gospel more intensely and become living examples of what it means to love God with one's whole heart, mind and soul - and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Most of them give up everything to follow Jesus. Their lives are completely devoted to seeking the will of God. Their earthly work is for His love alone and to share that love with others. Suffering and illness to not keep them from loving others. It is common in the life of mystics - despite their suffering and illness - that their gaze remains outward showing the love of God to all that come into their presence.

The Christian mystics are thought to have intimate glimpses of God. Some then know long periods of darkness or the absence of God which is quite painful for them. The world was shocked when it was disclosed that Mother Theresa, an icon of compassion and Christian mystic, lived many years feeling the absence of God and yet she continued on serving others to show them the love of Christ - her faith unshakable.

Thérèse of Lisieux is a beautiful example for homeschooling moms. Often, as homeschooling moms our lives are task oriented. Our days are filled with caring for our children, teaching, laundry, meals and dishes. Thérèse of Lisieux showed her love for God with her
"Little Way" - a spirituality of attention to the smallest details - even the smallest of deeds done for the love of God grow large in potential to reveal the face (love) of God. As we attend to the souls God has given us charge over, even the smallest detail or task done in for the love of God grow the kingdom bit by bit. I hope we can see holiness, instead of some tedious task before us, as we raise our children to the glory of God.

The private revelations of the Christian mystics do not carry the weight of divine revelation as found in Holy Scripture. They are helpful, insightful and inspirational - but not necessary for one's faith. I have found their lives and the way they experience God fascinating as I read about them.