That is a marvellous and illuminating article. I have long thought that “Laeti bibamus sobriam ebrietatem Spiritus" is one of the finest lines in Latin hymns (though are so many to choose from, in truth). Interesting about why we no longer prize this kind of behaviour. I suspect it may be partly because Christians today are more focused on being of the world and acceptable to it than they used to be, when they were absolutely clear that they were just passing through. Thought provoking article, thanks.
Hyper-rationality, an obsession with theological correctness over experience, lack of imagination, and a rejection of mysticism and inner experience generally combine to destroy the poetic heart. The Persian and other near-east poets did not suffer this disheartening lack so much though Rumi had something called "forbidden" which were a series of poems that were banned because they were seen as heretical. Some I really don't know why, perhaps someone can tell me. For instance, in the Perfect Host - "If you hurry, if you run, you'll come across the water birds. You'll find the waters of life and reach the sea of endless joy. You've eaten all kinds of foods, some sweet, others salty. You've tasted all the pleasures of life. Just once, come to Love. let him become your host."
Language and conversation are high forms of art.. What one may not understand may indicate that one may not hear as one should. Too often we decide on our response rather than listening to the person or written word.
The motet by Joseph Haydn, "Insanae et vanae curae" which can be found on you tube, came to my mind as a musical rendition of the complexity, beauty and challenge of this a article. The last line of this part of the motet reminds us "All things work in your favor with God on your side"
Dr. Kwasniewski, if one wanted to start reading the mystics, where would you recommed starting? What you wrote resonared with me and St. John of the Cross and Santa Teresa de Ávila came to mind. I have been aware for awhile now of the loss of this vocabulary. Thank you and God bless you.
The line from Karl Rahner comes to mind, " The Christian of the future will be a mystic (aka one suffering from Divine Madness) or he will not be at all."
Ironic of course, that Rahner and his ilk were responsible for teetotaling of Catholic spirit
The prayer that immediately springs to mind is the Anima Christi:
Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me…
That is a marvellous and illuminating article. I have long thought that “Laeti bibamus sobriam ebrietatem Spiritus" is one of the finest lines in Latin hymns (though are so many to choose from, in truth). Interesting about why we no longer prize this kind of behaviour. I suspect it may be partly because Christians today are more focused on being of the world and acceptable to it than they used to be, when they were absolutely clear that they were just passing through. Thought provoking article, thanks.
Hyper-rationality, an obsession with theological correctness over experience, lack of imagination, and a rejection of mysticism and inner experience generally combine to destroy the poetic heart. The Persian and other near-east poets did not suffer this disheartening lack so much though Rumi had something called "forbidden" which were a series of poems that were banned because they were seen as heretical. Some I really don't know why, perhaps someone can tell me. For instance, in the Perfect Host - "If you hurry, if you run, you'll come across the water birds. You'll find the waters of life and reach the sea of endless joy. You've eaten all kinds of foods, some sweet, others salty. You've tasted all the pleasures of life. Just once, come to Love. let him become your host."
Language and conversation are high forms of art.. What one may not understand may indicate that one may not hear as one should. Too often we decide on our response rather than listening to the person or written word.
The motet by Joseph Haydn, "Insanae et vanae curae" which can be found on you tube, came to my mind as a musical rendition of the complexity, beauty and challenge of this a article. The last line of this part of the motet reminds us "All things work in your favor with God on your side"
Dr. Kwasniewski, if one wanted to start reading the mystics, where would you recommed starting? What you wrote resonared with me and St. John of the Cross and Santa Teresa de Ávila came to mind. I have been aware for awhile now of the loss of this vocabulary. Thank you and God bless you.
The line from Karl Rahner comes to mind, " The Christian of the future will be a mystic (aka one suffering from Divine Madness) or he will not be at all."
Ironic of course, that Rahner and his ilk were responsible for teetotaling of Catholic spirit
People get possessed by evil spirits.
Is this spiritual drunkness a possession of the Holy Ghost or possession by the Holy Ghost?