Titus Brandsma (1881–1942)
We must first perceive God as the deepest foundation of our being, which is hidden in the deepest interior of our nature, yet can still be seen and contemplated. This foundation can be clearly recognized by our reason, and when we regularly recall it, we will intuitively keep it before our eyes, thus we will not only worship God in our innermost being, but also in the essence of all creation, in people, in nature, in the universe – omnipresent and all-pervading as the work of His hands.
The dwelling and action of God within us should not only be a subject of intuitive knowledge but must manifest in our lives, in our words and deeds, radiating from our entire being and our demeanor. ... Nothing makes the concept of God as dear and attractive to us as the notion that God dwells in us; we are allowed to discover Him within ourselves and observe that He inhabits everything that surrounds us, and that throughout our lives, God's dwelling in our innermost being can shine forth.
The human spirit – despite great progress – still remains terribly blinded in many areas, thus it is no longer capable of seeing God. This blindness, however, does not mean complete blindness. Although it largely arises from a certain 'sick' mentality that has clouded sight, I still ask whether the 'object' we desire to see has been 'presented' in sufficient light, and whether we should attempt to 'illuminate' and 'expose' it in such a way that even the one whose vision is disturbed and blinded can perceive it. The image of God is so rich and can be viewed from so many perspectives that we must carefully guard against relying solely on the 'old' and proclaiming only traditional notions. The new age requires new ways.
(Titus Brandsma, Engagierte Mystik, 61nn. 36n)
