Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

Dive into the rich insights of Brother Lawrence's letters, exploring how mystical simplicity evolves over a lifetime. Discover the beauty of integrating the divine into everyday tasks, and the struggles that accompany spiritual beginnings. Jim and Kirsten reflect on the nature of recognizing spiritual teachers and the challenge of conveying mystical experiences. They discuss love, mercy, and the transformative power of practicing God's presence, emphasizing how limitations can lead one closer to divine love.

Dive into the profound wisdom of Brother Lawrence as the significance of his 12th letter unfolds, revealing clarity in life's final moments. Explore how awareness of God's presence isn't solely earned but given, while navigating unshareable interior experiences. Discover the beauty of seeing only love in everyday tasks, and understand that flaws do not diminish God's grace. Join in gratitude for divine kindness and learn how practical spirituality thrives in the mundane, leading to a life fully immersed in love.

Jim and Kirsten explore Brother Lawrence's powerful teachings on the presence of God in everyday life. They delve into the significance of belief and faith, highlighting how a humble cook became a spiritual guide. The discussion reveals Brother Lawrence’s youthful vision of a tree, symbolizing spiritual awakening and detachment. Practical tips on recognizing divinity in mundane tasks, along with the essential role of love and silence in spiritual practice, provide listeners with insightful ways to deepen their connection with the divine.

Dive into the mystical teachings of Brother Lawrence and discover the art of Practicing the Presence of God. Engage in reflections on belief, hope, and love as essential components of spiritual life. The conversation emphasizes recognizing divine presence in everyday moments, inviting a deeper connection to both personal and communal spirituality. Wrap up with a meditative practice that encourages mindfulness and reflection.

The discussion centers on the life of Brother Lawrence and his transformative spiritual journey. Highlights include how he found profound awakening through everyday tasks like cooking. The hosts emphasize the power of simply being present, contrasting it with more complex mystical teachings. They explore the impact of humility in service and the quiet mysticism found in ordinary experiences. Additionally, the themes of spiritual friendship and legacy are examined, encouraging listeners to embrace simplicity in their own spiritual paths.

Season 12 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Our journey begins on September 8, 2025. Resources: Pick up a copy of Brother Lawrence's Practice of the Presence as translated by Carmen Acevedo Butcher: ⁠here

In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 11, focusing on the teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠ Thank you!

In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to Gabriel Marcel for guidance on our own spiritual path. Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. A link to the Oneing article Kirsten mentions can be found here. An information sheet on Lectio practice can be found ⁠here⁠. The book we will be using this season can be⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠found here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠ Thank you!

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Greg Sadler about the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, with special attention paid to Marcel's ideas on fidelity, hope, and love. Greg Sadler is the president of ReasonIO, associate editor of Stoicism Today, an APPA-certified philosophical counselor, an adjunct professor at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and a faculty member in the Stoa Nova.  His main YouTube channel contains over 3,000 videos on thinkers, texts, and topics in philosophy.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠found here⁠⁠. Find Greg's Substack here: link Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠podcasts@cac.org⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠

Dive into the captivating insights of love through Gabriel Marcel's philosophy. The discussion reveals love's profound connection to human existence, emphasizing humility and community. Explore the transformative power of universal love that transcends personal traits and illuminates our shared experiences. Reflect on the balance of unconditionality amidst life's complexities and discover how weaknesses refine our understanding of divine presence. Ultimately, love emerges as a vital force that intertwines our lives and deepens our faith.