Wisdom from the Christian Mystics

The purpose of this profound work is to put authentic mystical theology back into centre stage and reverse the condemnation of Quietism dating back to 1687. The key is the primacy of love and selflessness as demonstrated by St Francis of Assisi where it is very important to remain open to the inflow of divine love to infuse the whole being. The author argues that without mystical theology we are just left with laws, regulations and rituals – the spirit has been evacuated and must now be re-embodied. It is hard to reach the depths the prayer without this training and mystical theology, all the more central for the spiritual life of priests. The author has been lecturing on the topic in Rome since the late 1970s and his plea is that we must return to 'that awe-inspiring and all-consuming daily mystical spirituality that was lived by the first Christian disciples, learned firstly from living it with Jesus himself.' (p. 337) The whole life of the mystical disciple is centred on God and service, and not on the self, which goes against the modern trend of using meditation for self-improvement. The author criticises Dionysius for originating the emphasis on experience and degrees of mystical awareness, rather than dying to the self and navigating through the dark night as a means of purification. Reason is not enough; only love can consummate the mystical marriage. There are also some helpful practical guidelines at the end.