Open-eyed mysticism:
A way of prayer for our time
Guest Columnist
By Msgr. Francis X. Meehan
In my reading last Fall, an article caught my attention. It was about
the former superior of the Jesuits, Father Pedro Arrupe. Many believe
he could be one of our saints in the future — a truly “canonizable”
saint.
The writer of the article used a unique phrase about Father Arrupe’s
spirituality. He called it an “open-eyed mysticism.” (Father
Kevin Burke, S.J., America, Nov. 12, 2007).
The phrase struck me. As I read on, it seemed not only a spirituality
for a great leader, but, in its simplicity, a way that is possible for
everyone.
“Open-eyed mysticism” is a way of prayer that is similar to
what our Holy Father speaks of in his encyclical on hope — namely,
a spirituality that is not closed-in on the individual, but one that has
eyes open for other people and for the great needs of our time.
Before Father Arrupe became the head of the Jesuits throughout the world,
he had been stationed in Japan. He was present in Hiroshima on the day
the atom bomb exploded.
On that fateful day, as he wandered down near ground zero, he had to keep
his eyes open. He had to help so many people so desperately in need. It
was an experience that helped nurture within him an open-eyed mysticism
— that is, a lifelong opening to God and to others.
“Open eyes” is a metaphor that directs our prayer to everyday
things, everyday people, everyday joys and sorrows. In one sense, it is
nothing new: St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. John of the Cross, St.
Teresa of Avila — all great spiritual leaders, would approve.
Yet the phrase provides an emphasis that empowers the weak, the fearful,
the doubting about a very simple way. All of us can be mystics with open
eyes.
We live in a very hectic world — abnormally hectic, unhealthily
hectic. We entertain fervent resolutions to be more prayerful. But we
become bogged down. We have to find a way of prayer that fits us. Open-eyed
mysticism can be a simple grace of praying in the in-between-times of
our life.
Recently, when I showed up a half-hour early for an appointment, I remember
thinking, “Oh, my. Thirty whole minutes I have to wait. No book
to read, no newspaper.” I laughed at myself when I noticed a certain
inner panic. A grace came: I settled down to a prayer of waiting —
an in-between-time prayer, an open-eyed — well … maybe not
full mysticism — but prayer nonetheless.
I wrote a note to myself later that day. I hope repeating it here might
be a help to someone: This week, change your schedule. For every appointment,
start out 10 minutes earlier. Avoid the usual practice of completing one
last-minute, hurried task before appointments. Just sit for 10 minutes.
Give over to God a silent moment; pray for the person you are about to
meet. Let this “open-eyed mysticism” become a space to let
God in, to let the real in. It is a simple form of contemplation.
In our open-eyed prayer, we do not need a book. We can make a prayer from
the heart: Come Lord Jesus! Lord, Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Hail
Mary … Blessed is the fruit of thy womb …. Yes, Lord, come
in power and strength. Come over everything I am about to do; come over
all my interactions; come over our world. Thy kingdom come. All this,
within the simple grace of Father Arrupe’s open-eyed mysticism.
Msgr. Meehan assists spiritual directors in their work for St. Charles
Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.