Irene B. Manian

The Mystic in Your Midst Irene B. Manian

My lowered eyes caught glimpses of bended trousered knees, mahogany wooden benches, and the worn navy blue carpet as I quietly walked toward the back. The soft rustling of people shifting in their seats and palm branches being waved by little hands whispered into the momentary hush within the church walls. Diffused sunlight from the opaque dimpled windows seemed to illuminate my chosen path. I turned right at the end, past the confessionals, walking the length of the church before taking another right to walk toward the altar. The Lord?s words settled into my heart traveling through my consciousness and diving into the deepest depths of my soul, returning to their source. Only His final words and command lingered: ?Sing it for me."

Little did I know that answering the Lord?s call that day would lead to a magical, mystical adventure that would show me the Beatific Vision of the Lord, turn my spirit into a flowing mountain stream, take me back to the Savior?s final moments on earth and superimpose my spirit onto His as He hung on His cross, propel me into Purgatory, fight countless demons, play a game of Heavenly tennis with The Father, wrestle the devil for the Lord?s gift of charity, have an angel pull ?sin weeds? from my spirit, experience nightly visits from the Holy Spirit to obtain wisdom, and finally find myself in Jesus? sweet embrace in the New Jerusalem. But these gifts and many more awaited me after I had passed my test of faith...