Mysticism is the great quest for the ultimate ground of existence, the absolute nature of being itself. True mystics transcend apparent manifestations of the theatrical production called “this life.” Theirs is not simply a search for meaning, but discovery of what is, i.e. the Real underlying the seeming realities. Their objective is not heaven, gardens, paradise, or other celestial places. It is not being where the divine lives, but to be what the divine essence is here and now.

The divine is neither “up there” nor “down here”; it is not outside nor is it inside; it is at the infinite here. The divine is neither before birth nor after death; it is not yesterday, today nor tomorrow; it is in the eternal now. There is no place where the divine is not, there is no time when the divine is not, because the divine is not related to space or time. The divine is; all other words are insufficient.

Some say that there are endless possibilities for what it is not. That is not true. The known Universe is finite and, although vast, it is limited. The divine is infinite with limitless possibilities.

(quoted from my free ebook “the greatest achievement in life”)

Chesterton and I go way back. I find it great to find someone who puts these two together. The title I would like to give Chesterton: Doctor humilis. What do you think? Chesterton is for me the expression of wonder before the world as creation of God, childlike wonder (line connecting GKC with Therese).

Stevens explores the creative spirit in man, the other pole, and yet arriving miraculously
at the same, as in Chesterton’s archteypal story of the man who goes around the world to arrive at home, finally realizing the meaning of that home. (I love the story of Steven’s baptism, hope it’s true, pray for his soul, and all souls.)

God bless you, And do your best to let his work be done! (Tough job, but worthwhile) Pray that I do the same.

In Christ,
Fr Carl Kuss, L.C.