Anthology on Christian Mysticism

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism

Edited and with an Introduction by Bernard McGinn

Christian Mysticism defined

Author John A. Hardon, S.J., in his book, Pocket Catholic Dictionary, defines Christian mysticism as:


"The supernatural state of soul in which God is known in a way that no human effort or exertion could ever succeed in producing. There is an immediate, personal experience of God that is truly extraordinary, not only in intensity and degree, but in kind. It is always the result of a special, totally unmerited grace of God. Christian mysticism differs essentially from the non-Christian mysticism of the Oriental world. It always recognizes that the reality to which it penetrates simply transcends the soul and the cosmos; there is no confusion between I and Thou, but always a profound humility before the infinite Majesty of God. And in Christian mysticism all union between the soul and God is a moral union of love, in doing His will even at great sacrifice to self; there is no hint of losing one's being in God or absorption of one's personality into the divine.

Excellent reference for Christian mysticism


A good book to learn in detail about Christian mysticism is, "The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism", by editor Bernard McGinn. This book is an accessible anthology of the Western Christian mystical tradition. It is very comprehensive, apt in its selection of texts, and is intelligently organized in one handy and easy to carry volume.

Book is divided into three main parts

In nearly one hundred selections spanning seventeen centuries, the book explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Uniquely organized by subject, this book includes accessible headnotes for each section, biographical sketches of the mystics, and a selected bibliography. (1) Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; (2) part two focuses on the mystics' actual encounters with God; and (3) part three addresses the implications of the mystical life - showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public ministry or apostolate.

Outline of the book

• Part One: Foundations of Mystical Practice



Mystics featured in Part One: Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine of Hippo, Bernard of Clairvaux, Meister Eckhart, Madame Guyon, Athanasius of Alexandria, Evagrius Ponticus, James of Vitry, Catherine of Genoa, John of the Cross, Ephrem the Syrian, John Cassian, Symeon the New Theologian, Hadewijch of Antwerp, John Tauler, Teresa of Avila, Guigo I, Aelred of Rievaulx, Miguel de Molinos, Richard of St. Victor, Bonaventure, Marguerite Porete, Walter Hilton




• Section 1: Biblical Interpretation


• Section 2: Asceticism and Purgation


• Section 3: Prayer, Liturgy, and Sacraments


• Section 4: Inner and Outer Practices


• Section 5: Mystical Itineraries






• Part Two: Aspects of Mystical Consciousness



Mystics featured in Part Two: Augustine, William of Saint-Thierry, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Gregory Palamas, John of the Cross, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Henry Suso, Julian of Norwich, Simone Weil, Nicholas of Cusa, Johann Arndt, Dionysius, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Gregory the Great, Symeon the New Theologian, Hildegard of Bingen, Hugh of St. Victor, Richard Rolle, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, George Fox, Angela of Foligno, John Tauler, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, Maximus the Confessor, Meister Eckhart, Macarius, John Ruusbroec, Francis de Sales, Marie of the Incarnation




• Section 6: Living the Trinity


• Section 7: Encountering Christ


• Section 8: Love and Knowledge


• Section 9: Positive and Negative Ways to God


• Section 10: Vision, Contemplation, and Rapture


• Section 11: Distress and Dereliction


• Section 12: Deification and Birthing


• Section 13: Union with God






• Part Three: Implications of the Mystical Life



Mystics featured in Part Three: Francois Fenelon, Gregory the Great, Bernard of Clairvaux, Meister Eckhart, Catherine of Siena, Thomas Merton




• Section 14: Mysticism and Heresy


• Section 15: Contemplation and Action

Memorial of Saints (March 27)

St. John of Egypt lived an exemplary life - a penitential life that can inspire anyone undertaking the discipline of Lent. John had no material possessions, and he devoted himself to prayer and penance. He was trained in obedience by an aged hermit in lower Egypt. After his teacher's death, he continued what was taught by his teacher, and then built a hospice for those seeking his spiritual advice (died ca. 394 A.D.).

St. Rupert was the bishop of Worms and Salzburg. After being expelled from his diocese, he was invited by the duke of Bavaria to evangelize territories which included present-day Austria. When Rupert returned to Salzburg, he built a church, a monastery and other buildings. Rupert is known to have begun the 300-year old tradition of the abbot-bishop in that part of Europe (died ca. 720 A.D.).

St. Lydia was born at Thyatira, a town in Asia Minor. She was known for her purple dye trade and came to be known as Lydia Purpuraria. She was in this business before she became a convert of St. Paul the Apostle. She and her whole household was baptized by St. Paul - as recorded in Acts 16:12-15 (died ca. 1st century A.D.).

5th Sunday of Lent (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

April 6, 2014
Liturgical readings
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:8-11
John 11:1-45

"Whoever believes in Christ, though he shall die, will come to life."

Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. This gospel story was interpreted popularly by a scene in a movie - often shown every Lent on television. The movie presents three witnesses, who just saw Jesus raise His friend Lazarus from the dead. They run excited, and with haste in different directions. They run amidst a musical background of strong drumbeats and trumpets blaring in triumph. They announce to the people they know of the miracle of Lazarus' rising from the dead. Such cinematic representation evokes a sense of wonder and reverence at a God who is truly Author of all Life. God-in-Christ has raised Lazarus from the dead. He performed the miracle that we may believe in Him as God's Son, and have hope that He who has raised Lazarus from the dead, will also raise us up on the Last Day.

The movie was a modern interpretation of a gospel story, that without the cinematic presentation, would be solemnly read in the Mass. But what does Catholic tradition say of this passage in John's gospel. St. Augustine of Hippo from the early Christian centuries reflected on this passage. He writes that this faith and hope of the resurrection is not yet realized. But, it is sure and certain, because of the Sacrament of Baptism. In the Sacrament of Baptism we receive the pledge of the Spirit. Augustine was only emphasizing what Martha already expressed in the gospel: "I know he will live again, in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus then told Martha, that He Himself is the Resurrection and the Life. Christ then proved that He was sent by the Father, and that His Word is true when He brought her brother Lazarus back to life again.

God's ways are beyond all human understanding. Human understanding sometimes tend to focus on negative realities and forget God's help - relying only on his own resources. But if humanity were to let God be the center of all situations, and let faith crown his efforts, he can see God's ways, one day at a time. Mankind will again understand that even in ordinary situations, he can rise from failure and sin. For God has really been always there for mankind. When the realities of death abound in the news online, or from stories people in one's neighborhood share, all will know that with Christ, any death or negative situation is only the beginning of a new and better life. It is a life directed with faith and hope in God. Martha in the gospel of John has expressed this, and has given to all the example of sure and certain faith. Exactly what St. Augustine of Hippo also said in His writings.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
The Lord will put his spirit upon his people that they may live, and he will settle them upon the land (Ezekiel 37)
He who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also through his Spirit dwelling in you (Romans 8)
The Lord is the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in him, though he should die, will come to life (John 11)