Mysticism in the New Testament:  John and Paul

Presentation:  November 3, 2007

Fr. Joseph LaBelle, S.T.D.

Brief Description of Presentation

The principal foundation for Christian mysticism is grounded in the experience of the Paschal Mystery as lived by Jesus and experienced by his disciples.  Two key representative figures for this are found in the writings of the apostle Paul and John the Evangelist.

The first hour of the presentation will explore the Pauline experience of the Risen Christ and some other important themes in his thought.  The second hour will explore the Johannine experience being grounded in the person of Jesus as the way to the Father and life in the Holy Spirit, as well as other related points.

Prayer Exercise

Brief excerpts from the writings of Paul and John will be suggested for reflection over each one-hour period.

Preparation for Session and Bibliography

Click here for Presentation Slides

The presentation will be significantly based upon the following books and articles.  It is advisable to bring a copy of the New Testament.

BOUYER, L., The Christian Mystery: from pagan myth to Christian mysticism, T&T Clark, Edinburgh 1990, chapters 1,8 & 9.

_______.         A History of Christian Spirituality (volume I : The Spirituality of the New Testament and the Fathers),  Burns & Oates, Kent (U.K.) 1963, chapters 3 & 5.

CERFAUX, L., “St. Paul’s Mysticism” in Mystery and Mysticism: a symposium, Blackfriars, London 1956, pp. 33-46.

CULLMANN, O.  Prayer in the New Testament, Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN  1994, pp. 69-111.

JONES, C. ET AL (editors), The Study of Spirituality, Oxford University Press, New York 1986, pp. 75-89.

About The Presenter

Rev. Joseph T. LaBelle is a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and an associate professor of Christian spirituality at Oblate School of Theology.  He has been involved in pastoral ministry and served for a number of years in the religious formation of new Oblates in the United States.  He holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University (1979), an M.A. in Theology from the former Oblate College in Washington, DC (1992), an S.T.L. (1999) and S.T.D. (2006) from the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality in Rome.