Dawn into Flame

The essence of mysticism is not, as some think, visions, levitations, or other extraordinary phenomena. On the contrary, it is a growing into union with the God of love. “Christian mysticism,” writes Harvey D. Egan , “is a way of life that involves the perfect fulfillment of loving God, neighbor, all God’s creation, and oneself” (Introduction, An Anthology of Christian Mysticism).

Bernardo Olivera, speaking of the great 12th-century mystics, uses a dramatic but very beautiful image to describe this journey of the Christian life.

Thus, mysticism is the reality of grace accompanying the whole life of the believer, transforming him or her from dawn into midday and from an individual burning coal into an all-consuming fire.

The Sun at Midnight (Cistercian Publications)

Through the abundant grace of God, may we too be transformed from dimness into an all-consuming blaze of love in God.

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(For more, see "The Mystic as Flame" on "Caught Up in God.")

Fire photo with fractal by Faylei (Rose Hoover, rc)
(Fractal created in Apophysis)