Catholic Hermit: More Thoughts on Mystics

 From correspondence to someone who likely is not that interested in these thoughts, but who is fascinated with saints--who mostly are not "mystics" while some are.  Many and most mystics are not canonized in the Catholic Church.  Mystics can be of other religions, also.

[Dear C,]

While doing manual work on subfloor--locating and pounding down staple tips with a small nail-set tool, I was praying and also practicing the mystical element.  I also was thinking of something Bernard said, as he thinks that anyone can become mystics.  I'm not sure. I was reminded of my paradigm of the Floaters and the Dockers. [Have written of this in other blogs titles, such as Stairway to Heaven].  

I think for most, it would take an act of God such as St. Paul had, for them to have conversions of great impact; and that one was definitely a mystical event for St. Paul!  But in some aspects he represents more the intellectual element.  While Paul had some profound mystical experiences in his own life as an intellectual, verbal, active Christian, the apostle John is the innate mystic by comparison.  So I think the institutional and intellectual elements of the church influence, and most people, tend to think of mystics as anyone who's had a mystical experience.  

No, it is deeper, and maybe like saying all people can be athletes, or all people can be actors and actresses, or all people can become musicians or artists or engineers or doctors or whatever.  But in reality there are aspects of which we are born with certain dispositions, gifts,and purposes. But I do think all people can become aware of the mystical element, and can grow close to Christ and be one with Christ, have mystical union in little bits or even once. 

Consider St. Thomas Aquinas who was not at a mystic, but he had one major mystical experience toward the end of his life that altered his way of thinking about all the writing he'd done.  But he had gift and purpose in writing and establishing theological thought that for the most part have not been replaced or still are considered prime and best written works of theological impact.  

So I was thinking and praying about these things, and figure that we all are born with tendencies and gifts and purposes and missions.  And God wants us to approach Him and love Him and pray and desire Him with all our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls.  It does not mean one is a mystic to do that, nor does one need to be a mystic to do that.

Bernard's life of study and intellectual pursuit and his brilliant mind at 83 are of innate gift and talent and purpose.  He is a scholar, intellectual, and on that topic, a world expert.  He wrote volumes that are outstanding in the area of Western Christian Mysticism--the historical periods all the way through, plus works on specific mystics such as Meister Eckhart.

But can anyone become a mystic?  I rather think David Knowles who was the leading expert on mystics in the mid-twentieth century has the correct response in that mystics are born with the qualities even if they do not come to the fore or are noticed by the person or others until later, sometimes in a pivotal circumstance in life when they realize they are on a different wave-length, so to speak.

But anyone can come to God, can love God and others, can do great things for God in life.  This does not mean they are mystics, not even if they have one or what they feel or might actually be mystical experiences.  And everyone can become aware of the mystical element of religion. That is key and foremost, to recognize and to elevate the mystical element and indeed, the Mystical Element, the Trinity, the God Is Love, and try to impart their grasp of the mystical element into the institutional and intellectual elements as much as they are able.

Anyway, I realized in my pondering and talking over with God this topic, there will likely always be a problem in society, in the temporal world, with mystics and non-mystics.  It is a topic that is uncomfortable for many, particularly if a mystic is around and about.  Mystics and mysticism is a more supernatural reality but one  that the intellectual and the institutional elements will always be wary of and/or keep at bay, because the intellectual and the institutional are temporal, and temporal is what most are comfortable with.  It is not bad, it just is as it is.  

I've lowered my idealism in and of the temporal reality; I am content being as I am but knowing it is most often a more solitary type life style, a life hidden away.  And as in the paradigm of floaters and dockers, some are floaters, but most people are dockers. We all seem to be born in these ways, and in lesser and greater proportions, depending; and I suppose due to the temporal world as being where we exist in the body.  

Also, as for surviving as a mystic, a mystic wouldn't have a career such as Bernard has had or at least not as accepted as he is.  The emphasis in intellectual was necessary, as well as the scholarship, and the teaching at university a set topic.  How do Christian mystics make a living?  In what career would they fit in?  Well, I will not answer that, but it is not one that works out best among others too much, for the mystic is rather not meant for the temporal even if in the temporal, as the mystic is more in another world, the mystical world more so.  I suppose that is why some end up in religious orders, or have done in Christian history, or they are out on their own, hidden, but doing a trade in which they do not have to interface much with people.  Mystics do not really "belong" or "fit in" to this world, and that includes the world of parishes.  Yes, just think on that.  It is truth.  And that is a good truth to grasp and then live accordingly.

Perhaps the best we can hope and pray for is for people to become increasingly aware of the mystical element, and in that, of course, the Mystical Element of the Godhead and all aspects therein.  And also, at least, to learn about mysticism and mystics so as to not be put-off or uncomfortable with the topic, and to integrate more of the mystical element in our daily lives, balancing out the institutional and intellectual elements.  Plus, simply be more accepting of and tolerant of mystics who are dotted among us.

But all people can learn and do and love Christ and so forth, and pray, and are close to Christ--not only mystics, of course!  But there is something more innate in mystics just as there is in others born with certain aspects, and that  innate aspect is the differential.  This differential in mystics (or other) cannot be faked nor acted out nor to somehow make oneself be able to  gain that differential.  But everyone has a mystical spark, and that can be inflamed and grow with awareness.  

Again, I'm not sure, but I tend to go more with what Dr. David Knowles' assessment and scholarship, the former world leading expert on mystics and mysticism back in the mid-20th c., British, Cambridge.  He concludes that mystics are born with the differential that is mystical as innate gift and purpose in life.  I think the  real challenge is that we must consider God's will and what gifts and innate differential God's given us.  

But as to striving and praying and loving and coming to Christ, and in bits of union with Christ while yet on earth, yes, that is possible for all people! Mystics simply are just yet another type of person, another category, but more of a strange one to most people due to not belonging to this world so much.  They are simply spiritually different, and that can be very off-putting in a mostly institutional and intellectual world--especially the United States and quite a bit of Europe now, it seems.  But that is another topic--of other cultures being more open to mystics as well as to the mystical element, even within the Church.  Catholic parishes in other countries and cultures maybe and seem to be more open to mysticism and mystical element as well as to mystics themselves.  I also wonder if Orthodox--Eastern, Russian, or such might be more open to the mystical element, but I have no answers other than that, too, might more have to do with culture and country.

And what I think is a good question to ask:  Why would someone "want" to be a mystic or to want it to be that anyone can become or ought to become a "mystic"?  When we realize that anyone can come to union with God and does not need to be a mystic to do so, then do they propose or say that everyone can be a mystic or ought to be a mystic (Bernard mentioned that quote of Karl Rahner to the effect that if one is not a mystic by the end of the last century, then one is nothing), then perhaps people who are not born with the mystic differential but wish they had it, often for what they think would be so marvelous to have some of the mystical experiences that they've heard or read that mystics can have--maybe we'd not have the problem of scrutinizing mystics so harshly, and there might not be the problem of false mystics, either.  They'd be content with whatever innate differential God gave them, plus all would realize the important aspect is to enhance and learn to place God into all aspects of our lives and thus balance out into healthiness, the temporal problem of the over-weighted and emphasized institutional and intellectual elements.

What will eternity be?  Mystical!  Will there be institutions there?  Will there be such reliance on intellect?  Consider this supernatural reality.  Perhaps mystics are born in part to remind people and to help balance in this world the imbalance of the institutional and intellectual elements, and remind of God and the great spiritual import of the mystical element and the reality of God as source, creator, and alive in and among us, of the supernal beings and the thin veil between worlds.

The option is and is happening increasingly, new age ideologies and spiritism takes root even within churches, for people sense and seek the spiritual, the mystical element, and when it is not balanced nor taught nor of awareness and understanding, and yes, ways taught to help all people bring the mystical element more into their everyday life through prayer and love and less institutional and intellectual--well, it just seems people are seeking that which is out of balance and not taught nor emphasized, particularly.

Perhaps the people in churches then would not be put off by those who are mystics but not called to religious orders--not that mystics fare much better in them or as priests. There is still the tremendous wariness and scrutiny, envy, and/or lack of simple acceptance.  But all that might be simply due to mystics don't really belong to that world of more predominate institutional and intellectual elements, despite the basis and foundation being the Mystical Element, God Is Love, Christ, Holy Spirit--and these elements come under different names and essences in other of the world religions.

Just my thoughts, from the inside looking out, from the perspective of one who was born with the mystical differential more so than other differentials that others are blessed to be born with.

 

Hermit of God: Peace, and Added Closure per CL603

Awoke a bit before 4 a.m., in higher pain in what has become the new normal or usual.  The peace of Christ reassures me as I marvel at God's goodness in leading souls forth in the ways of His particular will for each of us, His children.

I had some additional thoughts come to my regarding my having chosen to trust in God's locutions and visions over the past 20 years of my Catholic hermit vocation, when one could be privately professed and not publicly, not have to be a diocese hermit, approved per canon law 603.  Increasingly I am relieved to have chosen God's will for me over the canon law.  But I want to make clear for my readers of this blog, particularly those seeking to find out how one can become a Catholic hermit, what I have discovered and am keeping up-to-date.  

For those who have a call (or think they might) to the hermit vocation in the Catholic (Roman et al rites) Church, it is best to check with the bishop of diocese in which one lives to find out what the bishop wishes regarding hermits in the diocese.  I am fairly certain with the research I recently conducted simply through online search of various dioceses in the US and in other countries, that most if not all bishops now will ask hermits privately professed previously, and any persons discerning a hermit vocation, to be canonically approved.  Or, some bishops who do not want to deal with the added responsibilities per canon 603 required of bishops, understandably, will specify they are not accepting requests to be a canonical hermit in the diocese.

What does one "do" if one's bishop requires hermits previously privately professed even if for years, to be canonically approved?  One must either go through the approval process the diocese bishop requires in whatever manner designated, or not be a Catholic hermit in the diocese, or find out if the bishop decides the non-canonical hermit life is acceptable; there could be exceptions, of course.  I suppose a person then could move to a diocese if there are any in which bishops accept non-CL603 hermits to be Catholic hermits privately professed; I doubt there will be many if any dioceses at this point.

And I do think this is best, for since there has been CL603 created and included in the revised codex of canon laws in 1983, it is well to have continuity.  CL603 is here to stay, and best for persons to either go along to get along or relinquish their privately professed evangelical counsels and vow (or could be sacred bond, for the canon law does not require both a vow and sacred bond; I personally had both vow and sacred bond but a moot point for me now).

The term "lay hermit" has been created by someone or other in the past 12 years or so, but there is no validity to the term either in the writings of the magisterium or in canon law.  The term has been created, it seems, to designate those who are trying to or wanting to be Catholic hermits without canonical approval.  The privately professed Catholic hermits would not be allowed in most dioceses at this point as most bishops if not all require the canonical approval process and to be a diocese hermit.  To me, this makes sense at this time, since there is no real canonical provision for a non-canonical or privately professed hermit. 

If we are going to go with canon law in public profession and the law stating to be a hermit whose profession is in hands of the diocese bishop, we must live to the letter and intent (de facto) of the canon law.  There would thus need to be a canon law that specifies that someone in the diocese could be a hermit but with private profession of the three evangelical counsels, and there simply is not such a canon law.  

So my two decades of private profession of the three evangelical counsels with a holy priest is not what the canon law specifically states.  Although there is a seeming gap allowing for other interpretation in §920 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding "not always" are hermits publicly professed--that is not deemed, nor are magisterial writings on the matter, to be overriding of what is written in canon law.  I thus would find it unconscionable for a Catholic obedient in good standing, such as myself, to be other than what the bishop requires (and ought be same with all bishops) as to being canonically approved by a bishop per CL603.

Since that is not what God wills for me nor chose for me, I had to discern to whom should I go?  Should I proceed with the diocese bishop's chosen process for determining approval (in my case by a third party, non cleric although understandably one whom a very busy bishop might put into effect)?  Or should I trust in God's messages/locutions, visions, and dreams to me--discerned by priests to be valid over the years, and to me, a mystic, more real than temporal life experiences, themselves?  

Since also, there has not been inner peace given me consistently or even mostly in the past nearly 3 months since the bishop gave word through his chancellor that he requires hermits in the diocese to be canonically approved, I had to factor in the validity of lacking inner peace as being a signal of God's will in this matter.  Inner peace of the Holy Spirit, when given to a soul, or lack thereof, has been a rule-of-thumb in discernment for centuries.

An additional lucid dream and waking vision of several nights ago explained to me further the trend with the CL603, of how it will progress in future, and that it is not what God wills for me.  The waking vision provided a sign to me, as if an exclamation point to God's will in case I did not trust the message and interactive example within the dream.

Granted, in writing an email explaining my mystical life, that must go through the chancellor in order to be given to the bishop, I could have worded it such that would seem more acceptable, perhaps, and prolong the process ordeal, and I could have even done as one priest suggested to just "let it play out."  I could indeed play it out as could anyone--for I have seen examples of already-canonically approved Catholic hermits promoting and portraying themselves in online writing to be what in actuality they are not, per their diocese, not under the bishop's supervision and direction of bishop as stated in canon law.  

So there would be ways anyone could go through an approval process--such as I could have simply not mentioned my spiritual life, or if a question would arise regarding Mass, I could avoid the detail of why I cannot even be in the apse with the congregation during Mass due to a mystical ecstasy occurring at Mass.  But there are even other questions that while not at all part of the canon law, the only person the bishop trusts to spiritually discern for him would not have approved of my honest answers, and I know this with certainty due to some knowledge of the person's views of hermit vocation including various aspects not specified in the canon law itself.

But I'm not interested in playing along with other than abject honesty, and I truly do not find a benefit to being canonically approved, myself--not for the Church nor the Body of Christ nor for my own hermit vocation that I cannot also benefit without CL603.  All I have witnessed of canonically approved hermits out there on the internet or known through their diocese publicity and follow-up on researching their lives through articles or in their own websites, is that of hermits and/or their bishops or other persons in the diocese having approved of aspects of living the hermit life that are not in the canon law and in fact various aspects added, created, by people themselves.  It seems as if once approved as a CL603 hermit, then there is license to adapt the lived hermit life and justify the alterations, laissez-faire style.  

And I also note there seems to be quite a bit of temptation (and even falling to) pride in the canonically approved hermits.  I do not want that, nor do I really want to be associated in the pitfalls that have developed over just 37 years since the revised, updated codex of canon laws in 1983.  Even as a human being, I have found over several years with the repeated detractions and libel of me by one such "approved" canonical hermit (the one whose vicar general and current bishop nor bishop's secretary are not even aware the person was an approved hermit in their diocese) that I do not even admire such types, nor want to be associated with how easily a canon law can be made ridiculous in reality and unwieldy for bishops even being able to supervise such individuals approved by previous bishops.  

Once a law is created, it seems as if there are numerous ways people skirt the law, or the devil tweaks the persons to promote themselves, such as to be listed in Wikipedia as an authority or one known as an expert as a canonically approved hermit--despite that hermit very authoritatively writing how flawed and non-credible is Wikipedia!  How far all this is from what I view and read of the saint hermits and those who have gone far into the "desert" in God's will and guidance of the hermit life chosen for a soul's earthly life. 

These negative, untoward aspects are added reasons why I find not much credibility in or with the CL603 hermit-type I've encountered online, nor who I want to be associated with or have as Catholic hermit colleagues or mentors. I've not found any thus far of canonically approved hermits who hold even a matchstick flame to the heavenly glow of the saint hermits who were not canonically approved. (I certainly do not hold a matchstick flame to the hermit saints, either, but I find in them the hermit vocation ideal; I'm striving in what they lived and taught in their lived example and writings.)  

The saint hermits would not have wanted to be publicly professed nor would they promote themselves as an authority in anything whatsoever.  Further, there are no saint hermits of history who ever entered into the hermit vocation and life with the expressed desire (or any desire other than union with God) to form a community or association of hermits. It has been their followers who organized the hermit orders/communities after their deaths.

So I did what I needed to do, and that was to respectfully relinquish my privately professed evangelical counsels and vow.  And I suppose essentially the sacred bond that I was given under some beautifully unusual circumstances I must also consider not a sacred bond in the eremitic aspect; but it is a sacred bond given me, nonetheless, and I'm grateful.  I could not in good conscience go against what the Lord had willed and specified in discerned dream, vision, locutions years ago--especially with not having God's inner peace for nearly three months involving the canon law possibility.

Fr. V. said either the bishop will understand when I write and share some of my "story", or he will not; and if not, Fr. V. said I will go on living a fulfilled hermit life.  And I am not a "lay hermit" as that is not a canonically approved term or category, nor will I live as a known hermit at all.  Hermit's are to be hidden.  Just be God's hermit, the hermit life He chose for me, and of which He offered to me to have Him directly--not in the temporal but in the mystical spiritual--of which before too many years, I will be fully "living" as will all persons as we each pass from this temporal earth.  

I do not know what all this means as to a temporal living out of the spiritual, other than God will provide.  Over time He will show me. But the shift once and for all is toward the mystic life and the suffering life, with the vehicle of my existence in what time left on this temporal earth will be of His mystical Church.  The parish temporal life is cut off in various aspects but especially currently by a global pandemic of which the parish priest has guidelines for the safety of older persons to not come to Mass until further notice--beyond four months at least.

I also had a type of affirmation in a negative way by a canonically approved hermit who'd done so well not erupting for maybe a month, but now has made target practice of my thoughts in that person's on-going bullish, disparaging way.  This negative reminds me all over again why not to be involved in a newish canon law that allows such persons with history of hubris, nastiness, and outer attack (not only of myself but of others over the past 12 years and likely longer) to have been approved by a bishop.  

This reminder plus the inconsistencies in the canon law's adjudication, as well holy, busy bishops (especially in the case of the one whose bishop and vicar general, nor secretary and administrative assistant, didn't know the CL603 hermit was in the diocese) not having time to supervise and direct their approved hermits.  Thus, here is a solid suggestion.  When bishops who have canonically approved persons in their diocese to be hermits, are transferred, and with a new bishop arriving, the person who was approved by the first bishop ought be taken through the approval process over again by the next bishop and so on with new bishops, for not all bishops would approve of persons another bishop canonically approved.  

But definitely, I will not miss the negativity regarding this CL603 hermit and those who have been involved over the past 12 years of what comes down to obsessive bullying or what another mentioned as the person making me the person's "target practice" and not likely to stop. It has been nothing other than negative, creepy distraction.  I am called to better; the Lord will provide His way for me, upward and onward.

Regardless what my bishop decides per my hermit vocation if acceptable as not being canonically approved, I'm not continuing my writing as a Catholic hermit.  This is quite humanly honest, but I will definitely not miss this person's disagreeable attacks nor the person's followers who are part of the pattern.  But I will continue to pray for them as I pray for the salvation of souls of all the world.  I also hope in God that you readers will pray for me; I appreciate the prayers of so many people.  Prayers needed!  

I am currently listening to interviews and lectures by theologian/professor Bernard McGinn who's spent much of his adult lifetime in the study and writing of mystics and mysticism in the history of the Catholic Church.  I also appreciate the writings of the late scholar on mysticism and other aspects of the Church--a monk and priest: David Knowles.  But as Bernard McGinn states in a thought on the mystics, they delight in pondering the Scriptures, of sensing the actuality and truth and living out of the Living Word of God.  

Today's Mass selection, the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. John 14:27-31a, takes me from the weight of what was to me temporal, and offers me the peace of Christ that passes all understanding!

"Jesus said to His disciples:  'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, "I am going away and I will come back to you."  If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father:  for the Father is greater than I.

"'And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.  I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming.  He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.'"

Indeed, as I write out with fingers on laptop keyboard these words of Jesus Christ, it is as if they have become my thoughts and feelings of mind and heart, and are coming forth from my very soul. I am going to the Father, literally and essentially, both, as His beloved; I am leaving the world of CL603 and of temporal aspects of which the world gives.  I will no longer write much of this topic on hermits or how to live hermit life, but rather I will simply live in greater focus on Jesus.  The demons enrapt in whatever of matters they chose in self-deception and detraction have no power over me, and part of my rejoicing is in being untouchable to them or their followers.  

While I am very much subsumed into the Body of Christ, the Lord provides a place for me in the mystical, spiritual Church in whatever time on earth remains for this person, this soul, of whom I am and given life in His Real Presence.  I love God the Father and try to do as God wills of me, shows me.  I choose God; I trust in Jesus; I praise the Holy Spirit for His guidance and teaching of the gift the peace and love of His Real Presence:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Catholic Hermit: Why, What, How of Mystical Phenomenon

The following will be my "take" on the why and the how of mystical phenomenon.  My thoughts derive from my own mystical phenomenon over many years--the bulk of my life both as Protestant yet more pronounced after my conversion to Catholicism.  

What I will share is wrought from numerous and varied situations, personal experiences, prayer, researched studying to find out what was occurring within me, seeking advice and input from priests and bishops, and from reading whatever I could discover of others who also had mystical experiences of various forms and types.

There are some Scriptures from current daily Mass that I find appropriate to the topic.  The first is from Matthew 7:6:  "Jesus said to His disciples: 'Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.'"

This Scripture seems to fit the topic of the whys and hows of mystical phenomenon because the discussion is not suited nor necessarily well-received by all people. In fact, there may be few who will grasp with understanding, and even fewer who will reflect kindly on what will be my honest, sincere overview of a topic which is vast--more so than what I can begin to do justice in a blog post.  But I will try to highlight my thoughts.

I suppose this topic has arisen again due to someone asking about it from what I've written recently in regarding the mystical ecstasy I've experienced at any Mass over the nearly past 11 years.  The past two times I've been physically able to attend Mass, the mystical state seemed less deep in the shorter Mass; and in the longer, Saturday evening vigil Mass the state did not begin until the reading of the Gospel when it usually starts at the first reading.  By the Consecration, however, the ecstasy was deep, blissful, and nothing recalled through until the ecstasy lifts after the last hymn--usually after most people have left the church or are in the vestibule, visiting.

I suppose the reason I thought the ecstasy during Mass might be gradually leaving could be due to the unusually high level of pain I've been experiencing lately.  Also, I have wondered about my earthly longevity and was recently reminded that others who have had mystical phenomenon lasting over several or many years, would find the phenomenon leaving as they approached their earthly deaths.  So there was some wishful thinking involved, I suppose.  I relate with Teresa of Avila in her famous line, "I die because I do not die."  Yes, there is a longing to be with Christ in full union for all eternity.

Patience!  I must summon the virtue of patience!

But back to why the inquiry as to if the state had left or not.  Frankly, I had forgotten about it staying or leaving, either one.  So I was explaining to the person who inquired, that it did not matter to me either way.  The person thought it would be good if it would leave as in the past there have been difficulties regarding having a visible mystical phenomenon occur with people around, such as is the case at Mass.  

Parishioners and priests have gone through various reactions; and often these reactions would sooner than later evolve to the negative.  They'd either not understand, or would be envious, or would doubt, or would begin to persecute and find various reasons why I should not be among them during Mass.  Priests could be as ornery and nasty as to tell me I was not to come to Mass, or to bid their parishioners to "run" me out.  Seriously.    

However, that has certainly not been the case in my current locale.  The lead priest very much wanted me to attend Mass; he is somewhat familiar with the phenomenon through Teresa of Avila and other mystics.  He also assured me that none of his "people" would touch me nor harm me.  Thus far he's been astoundingly correct!

Yet mystical ecstasy during Mass is but one of a variety of mystical phenomenon experienced or of which I'm aware.  And my list will not be exhaustive on the topic.  I will simply list out some which over the years I've experienced, plus might add in examples of a couple or so that I'm familiar with through hearing of others experiencing them.  I will try to list these from childhood on--from back before I knew such experiences are not typical to everyone.

1. Dreams (I mean the type of dreams that are forewarnings, forebodings, and messages, lucid dreams, vivid dreams.)

2. Being extra-sensorily perceptive of others, of situations, of self, of a sense of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.

3.  Drawn to religious events, worship, experiences in the temporal yet later realizing they were extremely meaningful beyond age at the time.

4. Discovery of the power of prayer.

5. Sensing other beings about, from the other side--ghosts, lights, poltergeists, telekinesis, electromagnetism and its effects.

6. Locutions

7. Visions--both image and corporeal

8. Visitations from known and unknown souls from the other side--usually with some message verbally or acted out in a scene or by posture and gesture.

9. Oral communication via my body by means of saints, apostles, Holy Spirit, God the Father, imparting wisdom and assistance helpful to myself and others.

10.  Bi-location (traveling by spirit but bodily being present to others in order to help them in some way, often through counseling and encouraging; this can be in this world, past or present or future; and it can be in the other world--the spiritual realm

11.  Flight of spirit out of body yet attached to the Holy Spirit

12. Mystical betrothal of soul, espousal of soul, mystical marriage

13. Encounter with angels visible or invisible

14. Vicarious suffering (being given the suffering of another, with the other having relief of his or her own suffering for a period of time)

15. Death experience; encounter with God outside of this earth, this realm; being sent back

16. Infused spiritual writing

17. Foreknowing of some event or foreboding and warnings to be given others

18. Requests and/or messages from souls in purgatory and/or in heaven

19. Showings of souls who have been released from purgatory into heaven

20.  Interior stigmata

21. Experience of tongues (yet was told not necessary as already experienced instantaneous thought-flashing which requires no interpretation

22. Transverberation of the heart

23.  Demonic assaults--visual, physical, temporal, spiritual, aural, olfactory, tactile

24.  Reading souls

25. Mystical scent, scent of the mysterium tremendum

26. Slain in the Spirit

27. Mystical ecstasy

and of that which I have not (or don't think so!) experienced:

- Indwelling of the Holy Trinity--each Person and in Triune experience such as St. Angela of Foligno experienced and others;

- Consummation of mystical marriage;

- Levitation

- Exterior stigmata

- Seeing color or energy waves

So there we have it.  I'm sure there are other experiences I've forgotten or do not have a label to attach and other experiences of which I'm unaware and have not experienced known and unknown.

And so what of this list of "whats"?  It is not that one is thinking about these experiences all the time or even is aware of them after awhile.  It is like chronic pain: One does not know what life is like without it after living with it for years and years.  I figure of the above list of "what types of mystical phenomenon" readers can do a Google search if more description desired.  

Or to discover the "how," consult the writings of various mystics who left writings, or their spiritual directors or other writers who describe the "how" of mystical phenomenon--what it is like, the effects on the body and mind, and yes, the effects on the body can be quite physical and painful.

Why mystical phenomenon?  It is, I suppose, foremost a "sign" of how real is God, how present Is His Real Presence--active and interactive in our daily and nightly lives.  It is a sign of the spiritual realm alive and all about us, all the time, of which this temporal realm is mere external--albeit a necessary aspect in our lifetimes for however long, spent on this earth.  Mystical phenomenon signal to us God's presence but also God's instruction to us and others, His help in our times of need and in our on-going spiritual journeys.

The why of mystical phenomenon always comes with responsibility--serious and sometimes heavy responsibility.  Those who experience mystical phenomenon are not shoe-in's for heaven, not at all.  With the phenomenon can come suffering, can come missions and assignments, can come teaching and living out what we are shown and taught.  Not all live out their missions, their assignments, their responsibilities, their sufferings to a high degree or even a marginal degree, or so it seems.

Mystical phenomenon are just that: mystical events, mystical activity, mystical "things" that manifest from the spiritual realm into our temporal realm.  The Scripture that I think emphasizes the serious nature and the grave responsibility of such phenomenon is this, from 1 Peter 4:12-13:

"Beloved, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."

I suppose that part of the "why" of mystical phenomenon also includes the "who".  Why do some people experience mystical phenomenon once or twice or many times, or live out their lives kind of between the two worlds--experiencing mystical phenomenon on-going or off-and-on consistently--and others go through this life's journey without, even quite devout souls--great theologians, apologists, active life holy ones, striving toward union with Christ in blind faith without so much as a whispered locution even once?

All I know that makes sense to me, was made clear, was by reading the late John Knowles' book titled What Is Mysticism.  Of all my books thus far, that one succinctly explained basically that mystics are called by God, are born this way--that is those afflicted with mystical phenomenon more than happen chance.  At least that was part of the unfolding of his intelligent study and writing on the topic. 

Most of us have heard the story of St. Thomas Aquinas who spent his life studying and writing theology--until toward the end of his life he had one major mystical experience.  With that one knowing of God in the numinous, His Real Presence via a mystical experience, it is said that Aquinas ceased his studious writing and said it all was "as straw" compared to what he'd experienced in one swift uplift of his soul into God.

So as to the "who" has mystical experiences, we do need to emphasize that most saints did not have a plethora or even a smattering or even a couple or handful of experiences called mystical phenomenon.

I do have some thoughts on how it is to have these experiences and to realize that not so many others do, and how wrong it is for people who do not have them to yearn for them, or to envy those who are thus afflicted with mystical phenomenon.

And no matter how much a person might pray for some one or other mystical phenomenon, don't count on your prayers being answered.  The same can be said for those who have mystical phenomenon and pray for them to be taken away.  I can think of Catherine of Siena whose external stigmata was taken away and instead she was given internal stigmata which she realized hurt even more.  But mostly, God chooses what He wills for each and all of us, and as Job said so wisely and in truth:  "The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the Name of the Lord!"

I used to pray that the mystical ecstasy during Mass would be taken away.  No, I idd not need a priest or bishop to order me to pray that--although a couple or three or four did tell me to pray that.  I already had!  And I kept it up for several years, as I certainly was not one to want my inner life exposed through mystical phenomenon, even if most people came up with a variety of temporal reasons why I appeared to be dead or deeply asleep, unable to be roused.  

A few years ago I stopped praying that prayer, for I knew that the Lord would take it away when He wills, and He would keep it for as long as He wills.  It is not for me to like or dislike it.  It is as it is, and there are lessons I've learned along the way, persecutions I've learned to embrace, and also to be most grateful for the love that Jesus extends when in that state, removing my physical pain for that time period.  

However, the older I become, the seemingly less I notice the mystical phenomenon.  Perhaps I am more used to it, or perhaps there is less because for whatever reasons God knows less is needed, less is more, in a way.  Or during the ecstasy at Mass, it may have to do with my full surrender to His grace and will.  I am His, and He knows it.  He has me captive then.

But above all else,  regarding the mystical ecstasy during Mass He shows through the sign that it is, how powerful is Mass--filled with His Real Presence and His LOVE; how all Seven Sacraments are present in the Mass--not to be shorted or one more than the others including His Living Word; and that the Mass is the Stairway to Heaven.

I've had people be envious just from the state during Mass.  All I know is that it is nothing to envy.  There is nothing a person can do to have some mystical phenomenon occur, no matter how much one might wish for it, pray for it, or even think one is not wanting it when one is deep down.  God knows; He sees right through us.

I marvel at times how He knows who He decides is going to live this type of life, who will have many experiences and who will have a couple or three, and who will live in faith alone, love along, in hope that is unseen.  (Consider, again, just how many saints are canonized or in process, who do not have mystical phenomenon as part of their life's findings.  MOST do not; but somehow the ones with some mystical phenomenon seem to catch the human imagination--the tales of the unusual....)

I wonder at times, that He seems to have souls in bodies who are for the most part self-conscious, not super emotional, not wanting to be noticed, whose temporal life seems kind of down to earth, or who have some type of background they gravitated into with whatever earthly gifts that the Lord wants them to have.  

They then are to fulfill their mission--whatever that specific mission is by which the Lord has chosen them to experience mystical phenomenon as part of the signage He wills for this or that message or messages, either private and to redound to His glory, or publicly such as a message for the world.

Most are just people who live and die, and maybe something about their lives is, later on, helpful to others in their faith journeys, in their love of God and in discipling others to follow Jesus Christ.  Or maybe the signs of the phenomenon help their own souls and just a few around them, to grasp the reality of the numinous, of the reality of God in our every day lives, our savior, our Lord, our God!

They are people who God uses in their weakness, for whatever His reasons, and also very much because they need the help, they ask for the help, and He gives the help. But the mystical phenomenon themselves--these are signs that the Lord chooses to visit upon some souls, to provide lessons and realities of His Real Presence, of the Holy Trinity, in our temporal daily and nightly lives, always.  And mystical phenomenon are signs of the reality of the next life, of the mystical realm of union with God for all eternity...and conversely, of the reality of hell for unbelievers and unrepentant sinners.

Even in putting out my own thoughts on why and who, someone could be tempted to try to be whatever way they think God would be pleased to visit them with some mystical phenomenon or other or a lot.  It just doesn't work that way--any more than a mystic who experiences some little or some more or much mystical phenomenon can try to be other than what he or she is born into or as.  Not going to be "normal" in the sense or regard of mystical phenomenon.

Even trying to distance from it does not stop it.  It is the same with pain, such as chronic back pain or someone who is clinically depressed for years.  Can't stop the effects of the body or the emotions and mind.  God can; but the reason why we are visited with various afflictions be they physiological phenomenon or mystical phenomenon, is because God's view is not our view.  He does not perceive and utilize suffering in the same way we do.  To Him it is gain; to us it is something we usually want to be out of, to have gone far from us.

And that is how it is with those who have mystical phenomenon, or those who stay clear of pride that can so easily latch onto one's mind, heart, and soul.  Pride over mystical phenomenon can be like pride over some natural great talent and ability to some others.  It will suck in the person whether mystic or movie star or great athlete or CEO or politician.

At least with mystical phenomenon, the responsibilities and suffering that goes in tandem with mystical experiences--the responsibilities and suffering (often from the mouths and hands of others) is enough to stop pride before it even gets a tender root-hold.

So these final two Scriptures are to remind others who might be tempted to envy those who have mystical experiences or those who wish for them.  It also is to remind those who have mystical experiences to be thankful we don't have the other trials and afflictions that others bear of which we'd not want, no matter how normal their lives may seem.  In other words these Scriptures are for all of us!

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.  This is the law and the prophets."

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.  How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.  And those who find it are few."

In whatever ways the Lord brings us into Himself, He knows why, what, and how His ways are best for us--and for His purposes!  It all comes down to what is best for our souls, the souls of those around us, best for our missions in life--why God has us here for His purposes, His will, for furthering His Kingdom on earth and in heaven.

None of us need to be considering or thinking about this or that spiritual experience mystical or not.  We don't make things happen, and if we are trying, we need to ask ourselves some firm questions.  Even in mystical aspects of prayer--no need for formulaic types of praying.  His Real Presence will lead the desiring soul through various phases of prayer--not necessarily in a certain order but sometimes in a gradation.  Yet even if a soul is brought to a high level of prayer by God's love for us, on our death beds we might be uttering simple verbal prayers of our childhoods.  Did not Jesus teach us the verbal and mental Our Father?

Somehow writing this post was rather a chore.  Again, mystical phenomenon is just that:  mysterious phenomenon.  Temporal, physiological phenomenon is as it is--and wondrously mysterious in its own right.  The way to God:  Faith, Hope, and Love...and the greatest of these is LOVE.

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Catholic Hermit: A Bit About Mystical Ecstasy

Went to Mass last Sunday--and what was to be the most crowded was thankfully not all that full.  People later remarked it was about half the usual attendance.  Something else of the world going on, they said; the people went to the other weekend Masses.

The spiritual father had suggested this nothing consecrated Catholic hermit sit with the family who had suggested it be in the pew with them, to avert possible concern or misunderstood touching leading to injuries.  So the hermit did that despite not really wanting to be in a crowded situation.  Must die to self.  Must.

Dying to self is not easy.  This hermit thinks it has come to some aspect of dying to self only to discover there are many more aspects yet to death and dying.

Per the past seven years during any Mass in any parish, no matter what, the ecstasy began in full swoop during the first reading of the Living Word of God.  Inklings begin at the very onset of Mass, however.  But the total removal of all physical faculties occurs when the first Scripture reading commences.

During the homily, there was an intrusion by the priest.  It was most uncomfortable--just something termporal that tells a lot about the personality or needs of the priest, thus temporal, thus not bliss.  It is good to reflect upon this own hermit's life and moments spent, day and night.  The temporal does not equate with spiritual bliss, does it?  No, and that is probably a huge part of the cross we humans bear, for we are human and temporal although dying to seek and acquire His love, His enraptured bliss--even if we do not realize this is our desire.  

Often, the temporal distracts us from the reality of our desire for His Real Presence to consume us, to subsume us into His Real Presence.  Those who are distracted and taken over by evil more and more, lose yet more opportunity to encounter His bliss.  But it is not impossible.  With God, of course, all things are possible.

However, this nothing consecrated Catholic hermit has considered that perhaps His Real Presence does not intend to let it know why this ecstasy continues to occur during Mass and only during Mass.  And there is no mistaking it for anything else.  All other has been tested, even to painful injury, even by psychological review, and perhaps the least in some aspects, by a Catholic bishop determining it is of God.

Yet this hermit has asked once more, of His Real Presence, "Why?  What is the point?"  For, it has already been told what is the point for its own self.  He has said early on, This is how I am loving you!
By now, though, it would seem it should not keep occurring, for the hermit has accepted His love and appreciates His love.  And, granted, the ecstasy is beyond comparison to any other mystical experience this side of death and heaven.  

No priest nor bishop questioning the hermit has been able to relate.  One asked, "Does your heart kind of flutter"?  It is far beyond the heart fluttering, so there was no sense in trying to describe what is rather indescribable, much as one can try.  Dr. H. perhaps grasps the closest to anyone, since he is adept and experienced in various forms of the paranormal; he has studied and interviewed and worked with those who have a variety of experiences--not all spiritual, of course.  And there is a difference between spiritual and mystical experiences and psychic experiences.

Regardless, while this hermit ponders that surely there must be something other, something more that His Real Presence desires from this mystical ecstasy during Mass, it may simply be a reminder to all of us of the power of the Mass, and of all seven sacraments as well as the power of His Living Word, in every Mass, from beginning to end, including processional music.  

Plus, about four years ago the hermit was given the insight that His Real Presence notices the lack of devotion and elevation of love for all the Sacraments and His Word--and to raise our devotion and love for all of Him to the level of our love and devotion of His Body and Blood.  This is not to say that we devalue His Body and Blood; but it is true that often we do not devote ourselves or avail ourselves of the other sacraments, and we can tend to not pay attention to His LIVING WORD!

Perhaps there is something more to this gift that the hermit must continue to share with others, such as Dr. H. had suggested awhile ago.  Perhaps there are some healing qualities for others in the Mass, for the amount of power and love of God that flows in such a force during a mystical ecstasy, is, again, beyond description.

Today this hermit could not attend Mass.  It has been trying to paint the exterior of the house, and being up on ladders, tediously painting tiny spaces between siding shingles, brushing carefully the trim paint in tidy lines, and then doing it all a second coat, did cause an increase in pain.  Two days this past week, the hermit could not rise from the mattress on the floor; this morning was one of them.

So the hermit prayed, read the Living Word for this Sunday's Mass readings, left a message on the family's phone with whom it would sit, and began reading the Letter to the Hebrews as a spiritual prayer gift for a friend who turned 88 today.  Each day for 13 days, the hermit will pray/read a chapter from Hebrews and email a specific prayer intention relative to the person's life, relationship with family, friends, and His Real Presence.  Then, later in the day, will email a reflection based on the chapter of Christ's Word, as it relates to the person and the prayer intention.  Fun!

The hermit just finished a birthday spiritual gift for its cousin--pray/reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians in like format, with daily intentions.  The cousin is Protestant and wary of things Catholic; the hermit made sure she knew this was not some Catholic devotion.  In the past, the cousin has asked about such things, for there is a friend where she lives who is Catholic.  Again, the cousin is wary of all things Catholic.  We must be considerate and sensitive.  Bias is often inbred environmentally from an early age; it is as if the person cannot help it.

For some people, such as those turning 90 or some milestone birthday, the hermit has offered daily Psalms--each from a decade of the person's life and each with a specific prayer intention covering each of the person's lived decade of life.  It is good to ponder what types of situations the person may have or actually did live in that decade, such as a Psalm in the 20's for that decade in years, or one in the 90's for that decade.  The Holy Spirit never fails to have a connection!  The Psalm spiritual gift is especially good for those not Catholic or if Catholic perhaps not as into reading the Bible.  Most all Christians are familiar with some Psalms, and they are shorter in some cases, than a Bible chapter.

Anyway, the above is an aside from the topic of mystical ecstasies.  This consecrated Catholic hermit has had to research in often times old books, but written by experts in the field or by renowned spiritual directors or scholars, of other centuries.  Plus reading the experiences of other mystics, now deceased but verified as not hysterics, has been helpful.  The truth is, there is much ignorance about dealing with such matter or recognizing the symptoms of such an experience.  And, it really does not much good seeking opinions from nor reading what those who have never experienced nor have intimately known anyone who has experienced an actual mystical ecstasy.  These folks are dealing with guesswork when it comes to expounding, not that it matters other than if you are one who begins to experience a mystical ecstasy.

A couple of the many books this hermit has found most helpful has been one titled Mystical Phenomena Compared with their Human and Diabolical Counterfeits: A Treatise on Mystical Theology....by Most Rev. Albert Farges, trans. from French in 1926.  [The Catholic hermit recommends the complete version, not the shortened excerpted Chapter X now in paperback.]  Another solid but shorter, excellent coverage of the topic is by the late mystical scholar of Cambridge University's David Knowles: What Is Mysticism?  

On another aside, this nothing consecrated Catholic hermit has considered that the children of the family it sat with last Sunday, are pre-teen and teen in age.  This is an age of extreme self-consciousness and desire to distance from anything different or embarrassing.  So although the hermit has not had occasion to speak with its director again, and considering the hermit most likely has more pain in morning than later in day, it might be best to not sit with the family in sensitivity to the children; and to attend the Saturday evening Mass.  

Perhaps the retired fireman and his wife would sit with the hermit, or better, just the simple sign.  Dr. H. has not returned the call yet, seeking his advice on potential other aspect of purpose in the ecstasy, but it sometimes takes him a couple or more weeks. He is in demand and very busy with his practice.  Dr. H. tends also to be very practical, so his insights always lend themselves to what the spiritual father has to say--who humbly and wisely always honestly says he really does not know.  Yes, he has been the only cleric who has had the wisdom to say he has never known of anything like this, but he has read of it, and most important, he knows this hermit's soul over a long period of time.

If any of this helps others, great.  While there may not be those who have experienced mystical ecstasy, it is quite different than contemplation or contemplative prayer.  Mystical ecstasy is a definite and powerful loss of all physical senses and faculties.  A person in ecstasy could be injured and not feel it during the ecstasy, or someone could try to lift the person or make the limbs move, to no avail.  The pulse is barely discernible, the breathing nearly non-existent in a physical way.

Yes, it is as close to the hermit's documented death experience between back surgeries 28 years ago this summer, as anything the hermit could describe.  But it still is not like the death experience--just close to it.  The death experience is total bliss with no intrusions...unless as in the hermit's case, one is sent back into the body to live out its time on this temporal earth and fulfill its mission.

God bless His Real Presence in us!  God so loves us, little children, and asks us to love one another!