"In the secular world, a 'mystery' is something which baffles or eludes understanding, something which lies undisclosed. And the usual attitude of the world toward mystery is to solve it, to get to the bottom of it, or to uncover it. Mysteries must be overcome! The riddle or 'whodunit' must be solved!
"In the Christian and especially the Catholic world, 'mystery' is something a bit different. Here, mystery refers to the fact that there are hidden dimensions in things, people, and situations that extend beyond their merely visible and physical dimensions.
"One of the best definitions I have read of 'mystery' is by the theologian and philosopher John Le Croix. Fr. Francis Martin introduced it to me some years ago in one of his recorded conferences. Le Croix says, 'Mystery is that which opens temporality and gives it depth. It introduces a vertical dimension and makes of it a time of revelation, of unveiling.'"
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish,
Washington, DC) reflected on the Christian meaning of mystery and its unfolding as something to be appreciated and reverenced.
To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:
Msgr. Charles Pope: Mystery Is Deep and Yet Vertical – A Brief Meditation on the Christian Meaning of Mystery (13 JAN 15)
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