Magic & Mystery

In many discussions with mental health patients whom I associated with as a hospital chaplain I am often confronted by their claim that the spiritual fire within has been dampened by the medications they take and their magic and mystery of the holy has faded.

Many situations in life can fade the magic and mystery. Loss, anger with a faith group or community, visioning the holy as being at our whim and calling and experiencing "the silence, " of the holy not at our command and bidding, childhood hurts and damage, loss of trust/security. Like strong medications, they can dull the wonder and awe of the creation and creator.

Restoring this magic, this mystery, requires us to trust that even though our feelings may be subdued, the holy is as mystical and magical as ever.

We must grow to learn that our concept or construct of God may be part of the problem - yet God will be revealed in the vacuum - if we trust and wait. Just as Doctors have to adjust medication for mental health patients so that they can feel without being overwhelmed - so too does our understanding and imaging of God need to be adjusted. We need to view the holy as being with us in the losses, pains, tragedies and setbacks as much as in the other situations of life. The magic and mystery is that we are never alone, never abandoned.