MYSTICAL WISDOM IS REVEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
If the “passing over” [into Christ’s company] is to be complete, you must put aside all
intellectual operations; all our affections must, at their deepest level, be directed to God and transformed
in him. The transformation is mystical and hidden, and none know of it but those who experience it; none
desire it unless the fire of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, inflames their very being. This is why the
Apostle says that mystical wisdom is revealed by the Holy Spirit.
How can such transformation take place? By grace, not doctrine; by desire, not understanding; by
prayerful pleading, not studious reading; through the Spouse, not teachers; through God, not humans; through
darkness, not light; not light but fire that wholly inflames and transports one to God in ardent love . . .
Let us die, then, and enter into the darkness; let us silence our cares and lusts and dreams – and pass with
the crucified Christ “from this world to the Father”.
Source: From the booklet, The
Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure (chapter 7).
Photo credit: Intellimon
Ltd.
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