What do we mean when we call someone a “mystic”?

[Michie]

We hear the term often, but usually only associate it with the greatest of saints.


Mysticism is an intimidating word.

We instinctively associate it with saints who had incredible supernatural experiences—such as St. John of the Cross, whose feast we celebrate today; Padre Pio; Teresa of Ávila; Faustina Kowalska.

These saints certainly were mystics. But what makes a mystic a mystic? Is it an inaccessible reality, something beyond us everyday mortals? Let’s find out.

The word “mysticism” refers either to the tendency or the desire of a soul for union with the divine, or to a philosophical or religious system built upon that desire. Interestingly, mysticism is found not only in Christianity; other religions have an idea that the ultimate end of man is union with something divine.

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What do we mean when we call someone a “mystic”? - Get Fed™

 

[returntosender]

I don't think of the saints when I see that word. I think of it as a negative.

 

[jamiec]

This is 100 years old, but very informative from a Catholic POV: A manual of mystical theology, or, The extraordinary graces of the supernatural life explained : Devine, Arthur, 1849-1919 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

 

[returntosender]

I don't think of the saints when I see that word. I think of it as a negative.

For some reason I think of things like horoscopes, seers, Palm readers,etc. When I see that word.

 

[Michie]

Have you ever wondered about the Holy Trinity? Have you ever noticed it was Trinity Sunday and hoped to learn more? You may know it is a mystery. Perhaps you have thought that there must be a way to get to know these three Persons of the Trinity.

It’s a beautiful thing to set out to pray by first acknowledging the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Each is a part of our lives, at the heart of our existence as God’s adopted sons and daughters. Give it a try, and you might just feel a little more comfortable reading about some of the great mystic saints and other holy ones of Christianity.

A number of years ago, one friend wrote a foreword to another’s book. Popular Catholic radio show host and author Jennifer Fulwiler said Gary Jansen, the author of a number of practical books on prayer, is a “mystic.” I gave this particular book, “Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey through the Stations of the Cross” (Loyola Press, $9.95), to a few people, and at least one commented: “You said the guy who wrote that book is a friend of yours. But he’s a mystic!”

You can almost hear the exotic music in the background, can’t you? We think of mysticism as something foreign to our experiences. But it needn’t be. It really shouldn’t be.

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What Does It Mean To Be A Mystic? | Simply Catholic