In this week's episode where begin exploring Jesus as a mystic. I'm well aware that views of Jesus are incredibly diverse, and venturing into this territory can sometimes challenge deeply held opinions. However, our aim isn't to diminish or redefine His significance. Instead, we'll approach Jesus as our ultimate example and model, particularly focusing on the profound interpersonal dynamics between Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. It's precisely in understanding these intimate relationships that we can begin to grapple with the rich concept of Jesus as a mystic, revealing a deeper dimension of His life and teachings for our own spiritual growth.

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In this week's episode we explore Jeanne Guyon's Song of Songs. Guyon understands and expresses through the lens of the Song of Songs/Solomon.

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Song of Songs by Jeanne Guyon is available in plain English for the contemporary reader in print and ebook.

In this week's episode we explore Brother Lawrence and The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence epitomizes the intimacy with God that Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross sought for themselves and others.

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The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is available in plain English for the contemporary reader in print and ebook.

In this week's episode we explore John of the Cross and engage some of her thinking. John is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God.

Steve and Tim discuss the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit in the context of spiritual maturation and the attainment of authentic intimacy with God.

From The Dark Night on the the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit, by John of the Cross.

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In this week's episode we explore Teresa of Avila and engage some of her thinking. Teresa is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God.

Steve and Tim discuss spiritual growth, intimacy with God, and the role of mysticism in spirituality, drawing from the teachings of Teresa of Avila. They explore the ‘Interior Castle’ metaphor and the importance of personal experience in spiritual development.

Here's the key quote from the episode:

"It is as if the soul were a garden in which the Lord Himself delights to walk, and He enters it not by steps, but at a single bound, and takes possession of the will, which is the gate by which He enters. And how He enters, I cannot explain. But the soul is very well aware of His presence. It is not a vision; there is neither image nor form. But the soul feels Him so clearly that it cannot possibly doubt that He is there. It is a presence so certain that it is impossible to describe it in words."

From The Interior Castle on the Fourth Mansion, by Teresa of Avila.

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This conversation delves into the complexities of intimacy in relationships, both human and divine. The speakers explore how genuine intimacy requires effort and presence from both parties, emphasizing the importance of being fully engaged in the moment. They discuss the challenges of maintaining intimacy, the significance of recognizing absence, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with God. The dialogue also touches on the nuances of spiritual practices and the need for a relational approach to spirituality, moving beyond mere transactional interactions to foster genuine connection.

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Thank you for all the listens, encouragements, and support for the Podcast of the Urban Mystic. This is just a short year-end message to say thank you and let you know that we're taking a short break. We'll be back early in the new year.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and peace to all.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the journey from a surface-level relationship with God to a profound, authentic connection characterized by honesty and self-awareness. The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining an authentic relationship with oneself, others, and God within the often performative context of religious environments.

Our host shares personal experiences of confronting the discomfort of church practices that prioritize appearances over genuine emotional expression. This leads to a deeper discussion on the importance of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to break through the facade of perfectionism.

Listeners are invited to consider the impact of externalizing emotions and the potential for growth when one turns inward to understand personal anger, sadness, and the desire for authenticity. The episode also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence—or lack thereof—in a real and tangible way, moving beyond faith-based assertions to a more experiential understanding of spirituality.

Join us on this journey of introspection and discover how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life, where honesty and authenticity become the foundation of our relationships with ourselves, others, and the divine.

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