We are called to be mystics

Karl Rahner, a German Jesuit, was one of the great theologians of last century.  He wrote much but one thought of his has stayed with me over time.  It is that the Christian of the future will be a mystic or nothing at all. 

What does he mean?  Being a mystic for Rahner is about experiencing God for real.  This is not an experience that is reserved for extra special people or for great saints of history.  Rather it is an experience open to every human being.  This is because knowing God and being in relationship with God is a natural state for any human being.  It is part of who we are in creation.  To be able to relate with God is as natural to any of us as relating with any of our friends or neighbours.  This was part of Rahner's great insight for us. 

Why do I mention Rahner and being a mystic now? 

Well, as I returned from home and shared my shock at realising the present, seemingly collapsing state of the Australian Church, I also realized there was a response to this.  I just wasn't sure what it was.  Then in my reading during the last week, I happened to come across yet again Rahner's line on the Christian of the future and it hit me immediately here is the response.  Rahner was a prophet and his prohecy is being fulfilled. 

Very simply, the response I would see for the present Church is not one of getting busy building up the institution and institutional procedures and practices.  Rather our primary response is one of building up our relationship with God and in turn the institutional Church will benefit. 

I think this is enough for now - just to digest that you and me are called to be mystics, to experience and relate with God in our reality.