THE CHRISTIAN MYSTIC (posted 1/4/2011)

THE CHRISTIAN MYSTIC

The Christian mystic is a spiritual rebel. He rebels against every form of idolatry that "…exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ." [II Corinthians 10:5] The Christian mystic always begins by tearing down the idolatrous forces within his own being. He abandons all illusions of mortal knowledge. He jettisons the false security of human logic and fact-based assumptions. The mystic recites the Creeds, meditates upon the Holy Scriptures, immerses himself in the teachings of the Church, and allows the presence and power of God to flood every aspect of his being. And, he recognizes that it might take an entire lifetime to simply fight the idolatry that dwells within his own heart, mind, and soul. To the worldly minded, it seems that the way of the mystic is nearly impossible; but for the mystic himself, he finds in time that his is the easiest path of all.

       We are not all called to the monastic life. We are not all called to the sacrament of Holy Orders. We are not all able to pursue the life of full time contemplation and ascetic discipline. But, all Christians are mystics in a sense. We are mystics when we pray. We are mystics when we worship. We are mystics when we commune with our Christian brothers and sisters in holy fellowship. We are mystics when we meditate upon the Holy Bible. We are mystics when we faithfully follow the Christian commandments. We are mystics when we participate in the Sacramental life of the Church. We are mystics when we experience the divine touch of grace upon our lives, and respond to it with emotions that transcend human understanding.

       Mysticism is essentially the intimate experience of that which is above and beyond all human comprehension and definition. It is the acute awareness of our relationship with a holy God. The mystical experience may come about through much prayer and fasting, or it may be found in a momentary flash of an awareness of the divine presence.

       So, as Christians, let us all strive to be mystics by rebelling against those sinful forces within us that deprive us of the awareness and experience of God. Let us remember that every time we make the sign of the Cross we are rebelling against Satan and his nefarious works. Every time we read and chant the Scriptures we are rebelling against the lies of this world. Every time we pray, we are entering into direct communion with Our Heavenly Father. Every time we do the work God has called us to do, we are rebelling against our flesh and strengthening our souls. And, most certainly, when we love one another - and love even our enemies - then we reveal the reality of the mystical presence of Our Lord. Truly, the mystic path is the path of every Christian.

-Gebre Menfes Kidus-