Grace and the Mystic
Jan 23rd, 2009 by Brian Robertson
“The great mystics of all religions agree that in the very depths of the unconscious, in every one of us, there is a living presence that is not touched by time, place or circumstance. Life has only one purpose, they add, and that is to discover this presence. The men and women who have done this – Francis of Assisi, for example, Mahatma Gandhi, Teresa of Avila, the Compassionate Buddha – are living proof of the words of Jesus Christ, ‘The kingdom of heaven is within.’
“But they are quick to tell us — everyone of them – that no one can enter that kingdom, and discover the Ruler who lives there, who has not brought the movement of the mind under control. And they do not pretend that our own efforts to tame the mind will suffice in themselves. Grace, they remind us, is all-important. ‘Increase in my my grace,’ Thomas a Kempis prays, ‘that I may be able to fulfill thy words, and to work out mine own salvation.’
“The hallmark of the man or woman of God is gratitude – endless, passionate gratitude for the previous gift of spiritual awareness…. it surrounds us always. Like a wind that is always blowing, said Francis de Sales; like fire, said Catherine of Genoa, that never stops burning..”
Eknath Easwaran
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Thank you Brian for the post. It has awakened in me my first love, again, after so many starts and stops, dead ends and u-turns. Graqce has been a subject of many “relgious” arguments, pretty garceless to me, but I think people never truly understand the concept of grace. It does not imply not doing something. It implies freely given without merit. As I said, it has brouhgt to mind my first love, the Jesus Prayer, and my long unused chotki, prayer rope, and my desire to see God through the eyes of the homeless and downtrodden. The geat mystics of the past have worked so hard to help us see th Way, it is saddening to see and hear of others downplaying these truths so glibbly, yet they have held forth a torch for us, and we must take it up, no matter the cost.
I remain, respectfully Charles Sedan
Glad you are back!
Looking forward to receiving more insights from you.
Bob B.
Interesting you should write today…I awoke this morning with the most profound download – specifically what you are talking about – but couldn’t put it into words – I just knew it completely.
If you would indulge me, I would like to try to verbally express it as an act of solidarity with your message. Here goes…
” Be like butterflies…under go the metamorphosis…enter the ‘No-Thought-osphere’. Life is important, but our subjective human experience since the time we were born, the thoughts that busy our minds, our relations to others – all that make up our ‘world-view’ and ‘define us’ are but a distraction, a noise, a hindrance. Almost everything we busy ourselves with from day to day, are like the many legs of the caterpillar as it devours leaf after leaf, …but there must come a moment when we are to be still enough to enter the chrysalis – where all that we think we know or think we are dissolves and does not not matter. That there is an ancient connection made to something far greater than our daily lives attest, a plan – Master Plan that reveals a blueprint of all creation…and everything’s place in it..even ours. The sun plays it’s part, the blade of grass plays it’s part, passing clouds play their part and do it to perfection.”
That’s all I got so far, I don’t get it all myself or even know if I could even attempt it without the mention of Grace – it’s a high vibration wave that I can use to ride inwards. Thank’s Brian it was a missing piece of my mystic sojourn’s puzzle. -Joseph.
I have just stumbled upon your blog. I actually read this article on the Spiritual Sisters site and it linked me through to you.
Thank you so much for this article. I really appreciate the depth of your comment re the necessity of Grace. I think I often try to control my mind myself and become discouraged with my progress. This article has allowed my to refocus on God and his wonderful gift of Grace toward me.
I would like to publish this article on my own blog, if you would allow that. Of course I will link it to this site of yours so others may find the inspiration you have here.
God be with you as you write on. Christine
I once heard it said, prayer is 90% listening. Finding such joy walking and verbally talking with God at the time, I could not even perceive this. But as I explore contemplative prayer, I realize there are realms of prayer I have never seen much less experienced. I am where I need to be right now to enter this place. God’s grace alone makes it possible.
Thanks for your message – It is just what I needed this day.
Thank you for the kind words and for the thoughts. They mean more to me than I could possibly express!
Christine, in particular, please feel free to quote on your blog and I’m grateful for a link back to this site.
Peace of the Lord to each of you and to those who read these words.
Brian
Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for giving me permission to quoye you on my blog, and yes, I’d love to add a link to your site. Of course! I really appreciate your work and inspirational as well as often thought-provoking articles. Keep it going! God be with you and bless you in all your ways. Take Care, Christine