MYSTAGOGY

.... Mystagogy concerns itself with the discovery of Christ's presence in the soul. No life is possible without the silent presence of God and Christ, especially in the case of the soul of a sister (TestCl 7 and 24).

.... In the unfolding of the mysteries of Christ in the life of a sister she experiences a new meaning and dimension to her life. When she is ill, it is Christ who is ill in her; when she loves, it is Christ who loves with her; when she is reconciled with others, it is the reconciling Christ who rises again in her; when she prays, Christ continues his prayer in her.

.... Mystagogy focuses on the presence of Christ in the soul, that is to say, the reality of Christ in the soul of a sister, as expressed in the words of St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20)

.... So it is that mystagogy tries to differentiate between the spiritual and psychological elements in the soul. Wherever selfless and affirming love is increasing, we are certain of the reality of God's presence there.

.... In this context we need to examine ourselves honestly in the light of Christ as in a mirror (Ltr4Ag 14-18). Clare urges us to gaze on Christ's face and behold in it our own, so as to see ourselves more clearly and learn o grow into him. In this way the beholding is not a mere self-absorbed introspection but leads to transfiguration and healing. In its gazing on Christ the soul is encouraged to live positively and grow in virtue (Ltr4Ag 14-17).

.... There are times too when mystagogy recognises certain crises in life as stages in our growing towards Christ, so that he is taken ever more deeply into the soul. These times of crisis are opportunities for deepening our spiritual life and our transformation into Christ.

.... Not only the spiritual Assistants but also the Superiors need to discern which crises and conflicts touch upon the basic values of the community - for instance our role as contemplatives, the missionary dimension of our life together, mutual charity and, most importantly, all events which have reference to or involve the presence of the Lord.