Titus Brandsma (1881–1942)
When I see this hopeful perspective (1), I cannot remain silent about the fact that such an image of God requires the activation of a certain ability of our thinking... The ability of abstraction reveals to us the beauty and the greatest potential of our reason.
The renewed flourishing of Aristotelian and with it Thomistic philosophy has led to the development of the image of God outlined above. What is more important in Thomistic teaching about thinking than the high appreciation of the ability of human reason to abstract? ...
The ability of abstraction must lead to the »visio Dei«, to the blissfully experienced vision of God, which will one day be part of our eternal happiness in heaven. Here on earth, however, we can already receive a kind of »foretaste«, because our nature is harmoniously structured with this spiritual enjoyment. Only some »chosen ones« can reach the highest level of contemplation; to see God ever more clearly, we all must walk...
However – despite the current tendency towards metaphysics – not everyone is guided by the ability of our reason to abstract, and therefore the full development of the image of God in the above sense may not occur. However, the possibility of developing our abilities in this direction, allowing this image of God to shine more clearly not only for ourselves but also for others, commits us to action. We want to be led by the spirit of the age, which otherwise pulls us towards so much negativity, to where it evidently leads us to something good and beautiful.
A Catholic philosopher and theologian has a particularly important mission on this journey... The current flow of mystical and mystically related literature proves that this task is recognized and understood correctly. Namely, that literature arises from the »spirit of the age« and simultaneously fulfills it. However, it must be clear to all that on this path, they can and must unite more intimately with God, and that through this path the image of God can and must be revived in society.
If this is to be realized, the mystic must not be regarded as someone who distances themselves from life, and everyone who reflects on their life in the way that I am speaking about must regard self-knowledge as their primary vocation, in order to meet God at the deepest foundation of their being. We can look out to this foundation. Even if the water is murky from the storms of our lives, so that a view into the depth is only possible after a certain time of quiet and reflection, it holds true that the ability to look is part of the equipment of our nature. God is knowable in our essence; we can »see« Him and live in the »vision« of God. And this vision will certainly influence our actions. God will then become evident even in our deeds...
So much injustice that happens today in the world and is perceived as natural and corresponding to human nature prevents many people from glimpsing God in human nature. The thinking of man is described as intuitive, illogical, and irrational, and this awakens resistance against any justification of facts and explanations of what is happening. There is a need for such an image of God that irresistibly »imposes itself« on the human spirit and »overcomes it«. Today it simply takes effort and requires a sincere confrontation for a person to be able to »perceive« that God is the creator of the universe and governs all.
Even if we do not accept the aforementioned way of thinking, we must confront it if we want to bear witness to God in the contemporary world. Then we will understand what aspect of the divine image needs to be shown to people. May God grant us again men and women who will witness through the heroic practice of virtues – such unfaithfulness will not prevail! Thus, the image of God will influence society, and people will not feel the need to turn away from those who testify to God in words, but from those who deny Him in deeds. Fortunately, there are people who understand it this way. Especially among young people, enthusiasm and a desire to boldly and publicly profess faith in God through their deeds are being born. But it is not enough just to encourage ourselves and others to practice faith; more is needed. We must understand our time and not distance ourselves from its influence. We too are children of our time. We want to be so consciously and want to let ourselves be influenced by the good incentives that our time brings.
(1) Discussed in the article: What image of God fascinates today's person? (3).
Excerpted from the book: Engagierte Mystik
Author: Titus Brandsma
Published by: Bonifatius-Verlag Paderborn, 1991
Translated and edited by: Norbert Žuška, OCarm.
