Change and development take time and a place. In Mechthild of Magdeburg's book 'The Flowing Light of the Divine,' it becomes clear how mysticism sought and found a new place for itself amid the great changes of the 13th century. What is striking about the new mysticism is that women take on a prominent role. Mechthild is a woman who accepts resistance throughout her life: she turns her back on the nobility, joins the poverty movement and becomes a Beguine. In the city of Magdeburg, she is confronted with the misery of the world and the abuses of the Church. She recognises that God is present in these cracks and fractures. Immersing oneself in this theme encourages us to take risks, to stand up powerfully against resistance in order to perceive and name God in the fragility of life today. This requires loving attention and listening attentively to the doubts and questions of people today. Faith should also be expressed in secular society and serve life.
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