Mysticism and Serving The Poor
By James Finley
It takes time, but little by little we enter the social dimensions of the mind of Christ in awakening to how perfectly one we are with everyone living and dead. As this awareness slowly seeps in, we are able to grow, day by day, into a more patient, gracious recognition and acceptance of and gratitude for others. Little by little the graciousness of Christ’s empathic mind of oneness with others is translated into a thousand little shifts in the way we think about people, our attitudes toward them, and the way in which we actually treat them day by day.
“There is a strong bond between the mystical traditions of the church and serving the poor and those in need. Many of the great mystics demonstrated an extraordinary sensitivity to the suffering of others. Whether we are being inspired by a story about Saint Francis kissing a leper or by seeing how, in our own day, Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent her life serving the poorest of the poor, we are being inspired by the mind of Christ that flows from deep prayerful oneness with God. Inspired in this way, we are moved to act, to see what Christ might be calling us to do to help those around us.”
Finley, James (2009-10-13). Christian Meditation (Kindle Locations 2696-2699). Harper Collins, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
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