Modern Mystics?

I read in several books on mysticism that Fr. Karl Rahner the famous Jesuit theologian had once wrote that the 20th century Christian will be a mystic. I cannot recall the book and the reason why he wrote on the topic. I can only recall now that I like the idea and at this stage of my life at age 87 going on 88 that it is still a strong spiritual challenge especially in the present spiritual/pastoral moment in the life of the Church. The strong challenge is contained in the word, Synodality, which according to Pope Francis, is not new in the life and tradition of the Church.

But what has Synodality to do with mysticism or being mystic?

The essence of mysticism is contained in the reality that aside from having something temporal, there is in each of us something eternal. We popularly call this our Soul. This mystical reality does not disappear with our so-called physical death.

It is my understanding then that listening to one another in our synodal/pastoral activities will help us begin to listen to our Soul. Is this possible? Most assuredly, if we help one another listen with our hearts, not just with our two ears! And it is not easy. But not impossible.

In our BUC interfaith sharing sessions we had to work hard on three principles of listening with “the third ear” of the heart. They are 1) “without silence, words lose their meaning, 2) without listening, speaking cannot heal, 3) without solitude, community cannot save.”