Diffusions :: The Mystics Would Like a Word

The word mystic has an otherworldly quality about it; we tend to associate it with hermits levitating on a hillside more than with regular people living pretty regular lives — much less with ourselves. But a mystic is really just someone who has experienced a glimpse of the eternal and has chosen to pursue more. Mysticism is not reserved for a select few but is an invitation extended to each of us. Only one lifetime ago, the Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner said, “The Christian of the future will either be a mystic or will not exist.” For many of us, that choice feels eerily personal.

Luckily, we have not been left without guides. The six women in these pages are more than able to lead us: they had great minds and fervent longings and have not been given adequate credit for their contributions to humankind’s spiritual progress across time, geography, and religion.

— from the Introduction of The Mystics Would Like a Word by Shannon K. Evans

This book discussion will explore Shannon K. Evans’ book The Mystics Would Like a Word: Six Women Who Met God and Found a Spirituality for Today mystic-by-mystic. The featured mystics are Teresa of Avila, Margery Kempe, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Therese of Lisieux, and Catherine of Siena. In this 6-week journey, our group will meet via 1 1/2 hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (Pacific) 9-10:30 pm (Eastern), to share thoughts and impressions of each mystic.

Discussion prompts will be provided on Tuesdays for the week’s discussion. Each meeting will involve a brief prayer/reflection, a review of ground rules, opportunities to share thoughts from the previous week, a tie to the Rule of St. Benedict, and a facilitated group discussion.

Commitment to the weekly reading is essential as is a commitment to attending and sharing in the weekly Zoom sessions. This program is a discussion rather than a lecture. The quality comes from your willingness to participate in the conversation.

Note: Please obtain a copy of The Mystics Would Like a Word: Six Women Who Met God and Found a Spirituality for Today by Shannon K. Evans before the March 6th session.

Diffusions offers online programs to further opportunities for prayer, learning, community, and spiritual growth from a Benedictine perspective. We look forward to bringing Wisdom from the Center to you, wherever you are.