Mysticism as “creative human existence in the world”

Zofia J. ZDYBICKA USJK

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Abstract

John Paul II, a thinker and a mystic, gave a testimony to the highest form of Christian life, which is the mystical union with God. With his life, he pointed out that the basis of this union, and the basis of Christian soteriology, is love and charity. Human beings – created by God out of love, redeemed by Christ, and endowed with the gift of spiritual life – are called to the cooperation with God in perfecting the world, in particular in perfecting themselves and their humanity. A deep spiritual life and unity with God help a human being make the world and the Church more perfect, as well as contribute to his or her salvation (through deification or holiness). The more perfect the human union with God is, the stronger the dynamics of cooperation, the richer the creativity. The life of John Paul II was an exemplification of this rule. His accomplishments seem to transcend human powers.

Translated by Dorota Chabrajska

Keywords:

Karol Wojtyła–John Paul II, St. John of the Cross, mysticism, soteriology