Mysticism in the Hebrew Scriptures
Presentation: October 6, 2007
Barbara Paleczny SSND, PhD, STD
Presentation Description
The Hebrew Scriptures provide abundant examples of mysticism. We will focus mainly on the psalms and prophets to see the foundations of this mysticism. Growing out of profoundly personal relationships with Yahweh, biblical mysticism is characterized by a sense of awe and keen social consciousness even as it is intimately linked to real life situations involving love, pain, loss, anger and courage. By observing carefully what some of the prophets and the psalmist are saying, we will also glimpse how they relate to both the priestly and prophetic traditions. Finally, we will ask about the implications of this biblical wisdom for Jews, such as Mary, Joseph and Jesus; for religious practice and for ourselves. We will consider how it relates to contemplation, action, transcendence and immanence. Without doubt, even this short immersion can be incredibly renewing and challenging for our prayer and our daily lives in all the depths of our personal and communal realities. Since terms will be explained, no previous biblical studies are required.
Prayer Exercise
An experience of remembering God's love for you personally and God's love for Earth; of awareness of your laments, questions, cracks in various systems; and of trust in your perceptions.
Preparation for Session and Bibliography
Click here for Presentation Slides
Although books and articles abound, the best preparation is to read the Prophets, Psalms or Wisdom Literature, watching for examples of mystical experience. Focus on Isaiah, Chapters 2 – 6, 24 – 25, 30, 35, 40 – 43, 49 – 50, 54 – 55, 58, 62, 65; Psalms 6, 8, 23, 42, 22, 77, 88, 103, 104, 139; and Wisdom, Chapters 7 – 9. Take time for personal prayer inspired by the reading and journal about your response to it.
For other reading, consider the following bibliography:
Walter Brueggemann. The Psalms: The Life of Faith. Edited by Patrick Miller. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1995. Chapter 2, pp. 33 - 66.
Delores Williams. Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God‑Talk. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1993. Chapter 1, pp. 15 - 33.
An outstanding article from the past: Walter Brueggemann, "Unity and Dynamic in The Isaiah Tradition," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. 29 (1984).
About Dr. Barbara Paleczny SSND
Dr. Barbara Paleczny is a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a women's religious congregation in 35 countries. She is Coordinator of SHALOM Network in the southern states of USA from Mississippi to Arizona. SHALOM is the international Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Network of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Sister Barbara has taught full time at Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake and Trinity Universities. With a Ph.D. in Socio‑Economic Ethics from St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from Regis College, Toronto, Barbara focuses on both transformational theology and ethics. As a daughter of two homeworkers in the garment industry, it is not surprising that her most recent book is Clothed In Integrity: Weaving Just Cultural Relations and The Garment Industry. Her fifth book, now in progress, focuses on spirituality.