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Christ Himself was the first true Mystic. 'My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work.' What is this but putting in fervent and the most striking words the foundation of all real Mystical Religion? - which is that for all our actions, all our words, all our thoughts, the food upon which they are to live and have their being is to be the indwelling presence of God, the union with God; that is, with the Spirit of Goodness and Wisdom.

Florence Nightingale#55

FaithPurposeActionSpiritualityMysticismSpiritWisdom

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote identifies Christ as the archetype of a mystic who found sustenance in doing God's will. It defines real mystical religion as being powered by an inner presence of goodness and wisdom.
In plain terms
True mysticism means finding strength in doing good work and feeling close to God.
What can you take from it?
Action fueled by inner spiritual connection defines real religious life.

Where it applies

  • spiritual teaching
  • religious study
  • ethical living

Putting it to work

  • aligning work with values
  • cultivating inner connection

Questions to consider

  • What fuels your most meaningful work?
  • How do you connect action to purpose?

Another view

This specific Christian framing may not translate directly to other traditions.

More from Florence Nightingale

  1. For what is Mysticism? Is it not the attempt to draw near to God, not by rites or ceremonies, but by inward disposition? Is it not merely a hard word for 'The …

    Permalink to quote #54
  2. Where shalll I find God? In myself. That is the true Mystical Doctrine. But then I myself must be in a state for Him to come and dwell in me. This is the whole…

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. The great reformers of the world turn into the great misanthropists, if circumstances or organisation do not permit them to act. Christ, if He had been a woman…

    Permalink to quote #53

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