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Mysticism is not essentially about private experiences … Christian mysticism is about
the holy transformation of the mystic by God, so that the mystic becomes instrumental in the holy transformation of God’s people.—Richard Rohr
As the Supportive Ministries team has been writing about Beloved Community this year, I began thinking of the role mysticism might play in our lives together. What is it? How is it encouraged? What difference does it make? As I answered these questions for myself, I thought there was wisdom for the church as well.
"Mystic" is a dangerous word, author Kathleen Norris says in her book Amazing Grace, simply because it is so misunderstood. A mystic is not someone with their head in the clouds who can’t get anywhere on time. Instead, she defines mystical as “faith as it directly affects human experience including the common intimation of a divine presence in scripture, doctrine, liturgy and nature. It’s a means for tapping into the capacity for holiness that exists in us all.”
Mysticism is openness to the possibility for humans to directly encounter God. It involves the practices of contemplation, prayer and reflection that allow one to hear and discern the divine (Karl Rahner). Mysticism is living with sensitivity to the divine presence and responding to God’s ardent longing and enthusiastic invitation to a deeper relationship at this very moment. We are all called to be mystics (Albert Haase). A mystic is one who has moved from mere belief in God to actual inner experience of God (Richard Rohr). To be a mystic in our time is about intention, orienting the whole self toward the sacred and purposely looking through the lens of love (Mirabai Starr).
While we may not consider ourselves mystics, God’s open invitation is there for each one of us, and the future of the church may depend upon our response. In a recent online meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation, Karl Rahner is quoted, “If Western Christianity did not rediscover its mystical foundations, we might as well close the doors because we have lost the primary reason for our existence.” In an online post about the upcoming Synod, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President, said, “It feels like we don’t spend enough time thinking about what it means for us to be spiritual people.” She encouraged making spiritual practices a part of our lived experience and then talking about it with others.
We are all called to be mystics, and while God is always present with us, we likely have to make some effort to become more aware of it. Many theologians suggest that regular engagement in spiritual disciplines will draw us closer to God. These disciplines include prayer, meditation and contemplation, lectio divina and Ignatian Examen as a good place to begin. You have, no doubt, heard this advice before and have tried some of these disciplines. Each person will resonate with a different practice. Do whatever makes you more mindful and aware of the present moment.
“The present moment is a sacrament because it is the portal through which God and angels walk into our lives” (Albert Haase, Becoming an Ordinary Mystic). Haase goes on to say that our five senses are the keys that open the door to the present moment. He suggests taking two minutes of time throughout the day to notice and be mindful, calling this a divine invitation.
”A spiritual community exists to be responsive to the transforming presence of Christ so that we can discern and do the will of God. Our practices must be consistent with this overarching purpose. Life in community can never be about merely getting a job done, it must also always take into account how we get the job done.” (Ruth Haley Barton)
It’s not just about having these transformative experiences for yourself, but using them to do the work of justice in the community and inspiring others by sharing your experiences. This may not be an easy task, yet Beloved Community requires us to be vulnerable with one another. Here are some thoughts about building Beloved Community by encouraging mysticism:
- Ask others about their spiritual lives, and notice if someone tells you something that sounds like an encounter with God – encourage their notice of God’s presence. Cathy Wille of the Supportive Ministries Team, in her Sunday School class and other settings, has asked for experiences of “spirit sightings.” Where have you seen God at work in your life, or the lives of others in the past week? This has opened the eyes of participants that we do, indeed, experience God!
- Share your own mystical experience of God in an appropriate context. This might be in a small group or Bible Study. Maybe you have encountered God during worship (a hymn, sermon or prayer), and you could share your experience with someone during coffee hour. Others may have had a similar experience, or may then be alert to the possibility at another time.
- Invite and acknowledge the Holy Spirit in your worship. Report mystical experiences in sermons and in meetings. Begin your meetings with a report of spirit sightings as mentioned above.
My own spiritual quest has recently included reading Elaine Pagels' Beyond Belief, which explores the Gospel of Thomas. This Gospel concludes that the divine light embodied in Jesus is shared by all humanity as we are all made in the image of God. However, it is hidden and most people are unaware of it. My practice is to be present to the moment and seek that light in the people around me, even in line at the grocery store. I did have a moment of God’s presence while at Aldi! Give it a try and let us know how it goes. The Supportive Ministries Team holds Zoom calls at noon and 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. We’d love to hear about your spirit sightings!
A Divine Invitation
You have been invited to meet The Friend.
No one can resist a Divine Invitation.
That narrows down all our choices to just two:
We can come to God Dressed for Dancing
Or
Be carried on a stretcher to God’s Ward
Hafiz
Questions:
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What are your own mystical experiences? How have you shared them with others? Is there a way to share this in your congregation? How has the experience changed the way you interact with the world?
- How have you become open to mystical experiences?
- How is mysticism encouraged in your congregation?
- If Karl Rahner is correct, and the future of our church depends on a mystical foundation for survival, would you make any changes? What would they be?
Resources:
- Ruth Haley Barton, “Pursuing God’s Will Together,” InterVarsity Press, 2012
- Albert Haase, OFM, “Becoming an Ordinary Mystic,” InterVarsity Press, 2019
- Elaine Pagels, “Beyond Belief,” Harper Collins, 2005
- Karl Rahner, S.J., “The Mystical Way in Everyday Life,” Orbis Books, 2010 and cac.org, 2025
- Richard Rohr, “The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See,” Crossroad Publishing, 2009
- Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation, cac.org, 2025
- Mirabai Starr, “Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, HarperOne,” 2024
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