MSI Press Blog

  Theophany—literally “appearance of God”—is not just a theological term. It’s a moment when the veil between heaven and earth thins, and the divine becomes perceptible to human senses. These encounters are rare, dramatic, and transformative. They do not merely inform; they reorient. Let’s explore two vivid biblical theophanies and how their recipients responded—not with casual awe, but with trembling, wrestling, and lifelong change. 🔥 Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3) In the wilderness of Horeb, Moses sees a bush ablaze yet unconsumed. He approaches, curious. Then comes the voice: “Moses, Moses.” God identifies Himself and commands Moses to remove his sandals—he is on holy ground. Reaction: Moses hides his face, afraid to look at God. He protests his inadequacy, questions his calling, and ultimately obeys. This theophany doesn’t just reveal God’s presence—it commissions Moses to liberate a nation. The encounter marks a pivot from exile to leadership, from anonymity to p...

  In the early Church, mystagogy was not a footnote to initiation—it was its flowering. The newly baptized, called neophytes or “new plants,” entered a season of deep reflection after receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This wasn’t a time for more instruction, but for transformation. Mystagogy, from the Greek mystagogia , means “to lead through the mysteries.” It is the art of living what has been received. Today, mystagogy remains a vital, often overlooked phase in the spiritual journey. It invites all of us—not just the newly initiated—to meditate on the Gospel, participate in the Eucharist, and practice charity as a way of deepening our understanding of the Paschal Mystery. It’s not about mastering doctrine, but about allowing the mystery of Christ to master us. ✨ Why Mystagogy Matters It shifts us from knowing to being. The sacraments are not just rituals; they are encounters with divine life. Mystagogy helps us internalize that encounter. It...

  Religious conversion often evokes images of long personal journeys, doctrinal shifts, or community transitions. But what happens when transformation isn’t gradual, but immediate—ignited by a direct encounter with the sacred? In the language of Mircea Eliade, this breakthrough is called hierophany : the eruption of the sacred into the profane world, reshaping not just belief, but perception, identity, and purpose.🔍 What Is Hierophany? Hierophany (from the Greek hieros meaning sacred and phainein meaning to reveal) describes moments when the sacred reveals itself—whether through visions, natural phenomena, ritual acts, or sacred texts. These events break the normal flow of time and space, marking the moment as “other,” saturated with divine meaning. Think Moses at the burning bush, Paul on the road to Damascus, or even less-scripted, deeply personal revelations sparked by dreams, crises, or encounters with beauty so profound it borders on the eternal. ✨ Conversion Through Con...