Mística verdadeira e pseudo-mística - Prof. Joathas Bello

Summary

The video script delves into the realm of Christian mysticism, emphasizing its importance for all believers, not just contemplative religious orders. It distinguishes between active and contemplative life, stressing the necessity of both for spiritual growth. The speaker warns against false mysticism, such as intellectualist, voluntarist, and sentimentalist distortions, advocating for a mystical life rooted in sacraments, prayer, and charity. The script also addresses the importance of ascesis, the proper understanding of charisms, and the ultimate goal of Christian life: union with God through contemplation.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The script discusses the importance of mysticism in Christianity, emphasizing that it is not just for contemplative religious individuals but is an invitation for all baptized Christians to experience union with God through Christ in the Holy Spirit.
• 🔄 It highlights the balance between the active and contemplative life in Christianity, explaining that all Christians are called to both, with the contemplative life being the ultimate goal of Christian life, leading to the beatific vision.
• 🛐 The speaker stresses the need to recover the true mystical sense within the Church, which has been somewhat lost, and to recapture the sanctity of liturgical life, as the liturgy is an introduction to the mystery of Christ.
• ⛪️ The script addresses the dangers of false mysticism, such as intellectualist, sentimentalist, and voluntarist distortions of Christian mysticism, which can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the spiritual life.
• 📖 It provides definitions of sanctity from various religious sources, all converging on the idea of union with God, and mentions the importance of living a life that increasingly reflects the divine indwelling in our souls.
• 🙏 The necessity of ascesis, or spiritual discipline, is underlined as a foundational aspect of the mystical life, with purification of the heart being a prerequisite for true contemplation of divine truths.
• 🕊️ The script speaks about the role of sacraments in the mystical life, asserting that frequent confession and communion are non-negotiable for spiritual growth and union with Christ.
• 💔 It touches on the importance of embracing the cross and the concept of 'dying to oneself' as a path to purification and union with God, which is essential for true sanctity.
• 🗣️ The speaker warns against the dangers of false mysticism, particularly sentimentalist mysticism, which can be deceptive and lead to emotionalism rather than a deepening of faith and union with God.
• 🌟 The script emphasizes that true mysticism is about developing the life of Christ within us, which involves a continuous process of initiation into Christian mysteries and growing in virtues, both theological and human.
• 🎯 Lastly, it concludes by reiterating the unity of contemplative and active life, stating that all Christian activities, apostolate, charity, and spiritual combat should be permeated by the spirit of prayer and contemplation, leading to a more intimate communion with the Lord.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lecture?

The main topic of the lecture is the exploration of true and false mysticism within the context of Christian life, specifically Catholic life, and the importance of understanding the mystical life in union with God through Christ in the Holy Spirit.

Why does the speaker mention a certain silence in the church regarding mysticism?

The speaker mentions a certain silence in the church regarding mysticism because it is often seen as a subject reserved for contemplative religious people, whereas in reality, all baptized Christians are invited to partake in the mystical life of union with God.

What is the significance of the beatific vision in the context of this lecture?

The beatific vision is significant in this lecture as it represents the ultimate goal of the Christian life, which is the contemplation of God. It is the culmination of the mystical life and the reason why Christ came to redeem humanity.

How does the speaker relate the active life and the contemplative life of a Christian?

The speaker relates the active life and the contemplative life by stating that every Christian is called to both. While some religious orders have a special vocation to contemplation, all Christians must engage in both active works and contemplative prayer to have a balanced spiritual life.

What is the role of the sacraments in the mystical life according to the lecture?

According to the lecture, the sacraments play a fundamental role in the mystical life as they are the means through which Christians participate in the life of Christ. Frequent confession and communion are essential for maintaining a close union with God and for the process of sanctification.

What are the dangers of false mysticism mentioned in the lecture?

The lecture mentions three dangers of false mysticism: intellectualist, sentimentalist, and voluntarist. These distortions of mysticism can lead to misinterpretations of the spiritual life, focusing on human efforts and emotions rather than divine grace and union with God.

How does the speaker define sanctity in the context of the mystical life?

The speaker defines sanctity as the full configuration with Christ, living in a way that increasingly reflects the divine life within us. It involves the perfection of charity, living in the unsearchable mystery of the Trinity's indwelling in our souls, and aligning with the will of God.

What is the importance of the liturgical life in fostering true mysticism?

The liturgical life is important in fostering true mysticism because it is the means by which Christians are introduced to the mystery of Christ. It should be experienced with its due mystagogical character, serving as a foundation for the contemplative life and the pursuit of sanctity.

What is the role of asceticism in the Christian mystical life?

Asceticism plays a crucial role in the Christian mystical life as it involves the purification of the heart and the mortification of the old self. This process of self-denial and taking up one's cross is necessary for spiritual growth and the attainment of union with God.

How can the average Christian grow in the mystical life?

The average Christian can grow in the mystical life by engaging in daily prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, meditation on the word of God, and living a life of charity towards others. It also involves embracing the cross through acts of penance and mortification.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between prayer and contemplation?

The speaker views prayer as a means of grace accessible to all Catholics and a pathway to contemplation. Prayer, even in its most vocal forms, can be a form of contemplative prayer when the heart is united with the voice in prayer, leading to a deeper union with God.