"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 The mystical dimension of the Christian faith is not an esoteric or exclusive realm reserved for a select few, but rather a profound invitation for all the faithful to encounter the divine presence and experience union with God. Rooted in the rich spiritual traditions of the Church, mystical ministry encompasses the pursuit of union with God through prayer, contemplation, and a deepening of one's interior life. It is a sacred path that transcends mere intellectual understanding and invites individuals to encounter the transcendent reality of God in a personal and transformative way. Here we will explore the essence of Christian mystical ministry, its significance in the lives of the faithful, and how it can lead to a profound transformation of the self and a deeper connection with God.

1. "Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

2. • Explanation:
Christian Mystical Ministry refers to the pursuit of intimate union
with God through prayer, contemplation, and a deepening of
one's interior life.
• Inclusivity:
It is important to emphasize that mystical ministry is not
reserved for a select few but is accessible to all
faithful individuals.
• Significance:
Christian Mystical Ministry offers a transformative encounter
with the divine presence, leading to spiritual growth and
deeper connection with God.

3. Delve into significance of mystical ministry in Christian spirituality.
Study lives of saints as examples of profound mystical experiences and
encounters with God.
• Mission:
The mission of Christian Mystical Ministry is to guide
individuals on a spiritual journey towards a deeper connection with
God through contemplative practices, fostering a profound
experience of divine love and compassion.
• Vision:
The vision is to create a vibrant community of faithful
followers of Christ, committed to living out their faith through
prayer, humility, and compassionate service, thereby transforming
lives and communities.

4. • Roots traced to early Christian ascetics:
The Desert Fathers and Mothers who sought solitude and contemplation in the
wilderness, laying the foundation for Christian mysticism.
• Development intertwined with Christian spirituality and theology over centuries,
influenced by figures such as St. Augustine, St. Gregory the Great, and others.
• Contributions of medieval mystics like St. Teresa of Avila and
St. John of the Cross, who explored the depths of the soul's journey
towards union with God.
Examples: The slide provides brief profiles of key figures such as Desert Fathers, St.
Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Meister Eckhart.

5. • Mystical Transverberation:
Detailed explanation of St. Teresa's experience where an angel
pierced her heart with a fiery arrow, representing intense love
of God.
• Spiritual Espousal:
Description of St. Teresa's mystical marriage with Christ, marking
a deep and intimate communion with the Divine Spouse.
• Quotes from St. Teresa's writings:
Including excerpts from "The Life of Teresa of Jesus" and "The Interior Castle" to illustrate her
profound mystical experiences.
"We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God for, beholding his greatness, we
realize our own littleness; his purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon his humility we find how
very far we are from being humble" - A quote from St.
Teresa emphasizing the importance of knowing God for self-realization.

6. • The Dark Night of the Senses and Spirit:
Explanation of St. John's concept of spiritual purification through
the dark night, leading to deeper union with God.
• Spiritual Betrothal and Marriage:
Description of St. John's mystical experiences of spiritual espousal,
symbolizing a profound union with the Divine.
• Quotes from St. John's writings:
Including excerpts from "The Dark Night of the Soul" and "The
Ascent of Mount Carmel" to illustrate his mystical
insights.
• Example:
"Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving
infusion of God..." - A quote from St. John
highlighting the nature of contemplation.

7. • Vision of Christ on the Cross:
Explanation of St. Francis' vision in the dilapidated church of San Damiano,
leading to a life dedicated to poverty and service.
• Stigmata:
Description of St. Francis' reception of the
stigmata, symbolizing his union with Christ's
suffering.
• Ecstasy and Union with Nature:
Exploration of St. Francis' deep connection with nature and
moments of profound union with the
Divine.
• Example:
Excerpt from "Canticle of the Sun" praising God's creation
and the interconnectedness of all beings.

8. • Inner Stillness:
Explanation of the Desert Fathers' emphasis on cultivating inner stillness and solitude to encounter the
divine presence.
• Inner Transformation:
Description of the transformative journey of the soul through ascetic practices, leading to
purification and union with God.
• Quotes from Desert Fathers' teachings:
Including sayings and writings that
emphasize the importance of silence,
solitude, and inner transformation.
• Example:
"Silence is a mystery of the age to come,
but words are instruments of this world." -
A saying attributed to a Desert Father
highlighting the value of silence.

9. • Deep Interior Life:
Explanation of the necessity of cultivating a rich interior life through prayer, meditation, and reflection.
• Union with God:
Description of the longing for intimate communion with the Divine and aligning one's will with God's will.
• Transformation and Holiness:
Emphasis on the process of personal transformation and holiness through detachment from worldly desires
and
surrender to God's love.
• Contemplative Attitude:
Importance of adopting a contemplative attitude towards life, recognizing God's presence in all things.
• Love and Compassion:
Manifestation of divine love through acts of compassion and service towards others.
• Humility and Self-Emptying:
Virtues necessary for spiritual growth, characterized by a recognition of one's limitations and dependence on
God.
• Discernment and Wisdom:
Importance of discerning God's will and seeking wisdom through prayer and spiritual guidance.

10. • Contemplative Prayer:
Explanation of practices such as centering prayer and meditation aimed at fostering
intimate communion with God.
• Lectio Divina:
Steps involved in the prayerful reading and meditation on Scripture for spiritual nourishment
and insight.
• Centering Prayer:
Description of a contemplative prayer practice focused on stilling the mind and opening oneself to God's presence.
• Mystical Reading:
Importance of engaging with the writings of mystics and saints for spiritual
inspiration and guidance.
• Spiritual Direction:
Explanation of seeking guidance from a spiritual director for discernment and
support on the spiritual journey.
• Examples of Getting Involved:
Detailed descriptions of various activities such as retreats, workshops, formation programs, community gatherings, and utilizing online
platforms to explore mystical practices and deepen one's spirituality.

11. • Education and Awareness:
Importance of educating oneself and others about Christian mysticism and its relevance to spiritual life.
• Seek Pastoral Support:
Collaboration with church leadership to endorse and support the establishment of a mystical ministry within the
parish.
• Start Small:
Beginning with small-scale initiatives such as study groups or prayer circles to introduce mystical practices to the
community.
• Utilize Existing Platforms:
Leveraging parish communication channels to promote mystical ministry events and activities.
• Collaborate with Others:
Forming partnerships with like-minded individuals or groups within the parish to build a supportive community
of spiritual seekers.
• Offer Personal Invitations:
Inviting individuals personally to participate in mystical ministry activities based on their expressed interest or
potential.

12. Christian mystical ministry offers the faithful a profound and transformative journey of spiritual
exploration and communion with the divine. Through practices such as contemplative prayer,
meditation on scripture, and deep reflection, individuals can deepen their relationship with God,
experience profound inner healing, and cultivate a greater awareness of the presence of the Holy
Spirit in their lives. As followers of Christ engage in mystical ministry, they are empowered to live out
their faith with greater authenticity,
compassion, and love, ultimately drawing
closer to the heart of God and embodying
the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.