MYSTICISM

Jecyrel B. Belga

When I listen about “Mysticism” and the meaning of it, I fell in love with that word, the mystical
life is focused on union with or intimacy with God. Historically, the term “mystic” is drawn from
the Greek word mystikos, which refers to one who has special knowledge. The term is applied to
someone remarkable, someone spiritually advanced. For most of us, the term “mystic” suggests a
person who has ecstatic experiences, visions, and other spiritual gifts. Instead, a mystic is a
person far advanced in the spiritual life, one who very likely spends time in prayer and worship
with a disciplined regularity. It was new to me and I like it.

Another significant topic to me was the different types of the church after the Second Vatican
Council. First Church was entitling as the “Provided for Church”, everything was provided by
only the Church, by the priest. It was only the Church and priest who works and provide for the
people. Second was, “Parish Pastoral Council Church”, we are all shepherd. Next, “Awakening
Church”, it is a community that exists to awaken this generation to new life in Jesus Christ.
Fourth, “Task Group Church”, I reflected about what Ms. Wendy said, “We are good taking
good care of ourselves rather than others”, I keep on asking myself, if I choose my own
happiness is it already selfishness or if I choose to give up my own happiness for the sake of
other people is it called selfishness? Choosing my own happiness was so hard to the point that I
keep on pushing away those people who wanted to be part of my life. Even though, I know that I
need and I want it, but still I keep on lying to myself that I don’t need it for the sake of other
people because my perception was I don’t other people to experience what I’ve experienced
before. So as long as I can give my all, my everything to others, I will do it. Last type of the
church was “Communion of the Communities”, it is what the church should be. It should be open
to all and not to be exclude to anyone. It should be a open church, helping church, outward
church and we are all in this together.

It was also important to study the 4 essentials marks of BEC, to be one, united in communion
because it is the body of Christ. To be holy, founded in the Holy Trinity Centered on Jesus Christ
by the help of the Holy Spirit. Everyday is a road to Holiness, to be holy is to be like Christ.
Christ reigns in me and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It also struck me
when Ms. Wendy said, “Your will and Gods will should be aligned”. Third essential was to be
Catholic, all are welcome universal and united enriched by diversity and lastly to be apostolic,
sent to serve. Called to be Servant Leaders. BEC is the reflection of the Church.

Some methods also was very significant to me, the 7 steps, bible mirroring, pastoral focus, etc.
The plants story was also significant to me. I learned and reflected so many things and I
remembered the poem:

CHILDREN ARE LIKE FLOWERS

Water them with love

Nourish them with praise
Compliment them
Each and every day
Be their sun.
CHILDREN ARE LIKE FLOWERS
that blossom every day
Little pieces of us
And everything we say
Children are like wet cement.
Whatever falls on them makes an impression.
Children in a family are like flowers in a bouquet: there’ s always one determined to face in an
opposite direction the way the arranger desires.

When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.

I was also inspired to write a poem that time:

“I AM”

If I am just a human being it is just a book,

but if I am a Christian, it is a bible.

If I am just a human being it is just a statue,

but if I am a Christian, it is the image of God.

If I am just a human being it is just a beads,

but if I am a Christian, it is the Holy Rosary.

If I am just a human being it is just a candle,

But if I am a Christian, it is a light from God.

If I am just a human being it is just an oil,

But if I am a Christian, it is to anoint the sick.

If I am just a human being it is just a cup,

But if I am a Christian, it is the Cup of Blood.

If I am just a human being it is just a bread,

But if I am a Christian, it is the Body of Christ.

If I am just a human being it is just nothing,

But if I am a Christian, it is everything.

Everything is God.