The Mysticism of Everyday Life

Even the Saints Yawn Sometimes

It is coming up to Pentecost Sunday. How are you feeling these days? Full of the fire of God or running on empty? Maybe, somewhere in between? Whatever your present mindset (and experience) the invitation is to seek God out in your daily experience. Begin looking for Him exactly in the place you find yourself. Do not wait for a better, more enlightened time. Focus. Now. Today. This is key.

I was reminded of this truth when I was considering some old Karl Rahner notes. What caught my eye was this insightful musing (and its wry humour):

“The mysticism of everyday life should be practiced…It is certain that everyday routine exists and we cannot escape it. Even the saints yawn sometimes, and have to shave. It is not so sure that hours will be given us which even from our point of view will be great and important. There must be an eternity in everyday life. For we know that every human being we see, walking about to all appearance appallingly commonplace, is valuable enough to become an eternity, and to do this on earth where all he seems to do is to earn a living none too easily, marry, and abuse the politicians if he is not actually watching a football match or treating us to his opinion of Picasso.”

Yes, “even the saints yawn sometimes, and have to shave.” In the midst of yawning, shaving, studying, working, cleaning, playing, and driving be mindful of God’s loving presence. In your immediate surroundings and activities open your eyes wide enough to catch the eternal reflections cascading from the celestial throne. When we do this “the mysticism of everyday life” begins.