A Word From Our Associate...

     I love the subject of mysticism, probably more than any other.  How do we experience the divine persons,  indwelling our soul?  How are insights into the divine nature attained?  How is the human person transformed, as St. Paul says, "from one degree of glory to another," as we behold our triune God with "unveiled faces"              (2 Corinthians 3:18)?  These are fascinating      questions, but even more phenomenal is the fact that we can receive such gifts from God.  The dictionary defines "mysticism" as, "the doctrine or belief that direct    knowledge of God, of spiritual truth, etc., is attainable through immediate intuition or insight and in a way    differing from ordinary sense perception or ratiocination [i.e., thinking]."  Mystical experience "results from or is manifested through an individual's direct communion with God through contemplation, vision, an inner light, or the like."  I believe God wants us all to have mystical experiences!
     Sometimes we relegate the deep spiritual experiences to saintly people, or the religious sisters and priests, alone.  But isn't it profound, when on the way to work, an individual thinks of calling his relative to say hi and     express love, only to find that the next day this person suddenly passes away?  What about the moments when a religious word, from Scripture, a song, a poem, or         another reading, moves the heart to wonder, awe, and affection for God?  How about when a deacon goes to have heart surgery for the second time, but remains      unflappable in his hope, because he has known the  providence of God through past trials?  Even the ordinary events of driving kids to soccer games, paying the monthly bills, and fixing the door hinge, can be moments of recognizing God's provisions and abiding presence.  Within these moments of communion, a brief opportunity may arise, to see, taste, adore, the inner Light.
     The beautiful gift of contemplative prayer allows the Christian to bask in the presence of God, with heart      inflamed by charity.  Contemplative prayer consists in a loving gaze of adoration upon the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from which spiritual insight and wisdom flows.  This kind of gift comes only to those whose lives are     entirely given over to the will of God, who pray daily, and who are generous to the Gospel.  It is the most        intimate and profound experience, on the face of the planet.  And God wants to share it with all who seek. 

     Fr. Michael

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE TO MEET NOV. 8
The St. John's Respect Life Committee will meet Wednesday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center 1st floor meeting room.  All members are asked to be present to help plan our January activities.