In 1951, a young Jesuit missionary arrived in Japan. He went there to convert the Japanese to Christianity. Instead, over a number of years, he began to learn from the people of the Orient the value of religious dialogue and sharing. He became one of the world's great experts on mystical prayer and contemplation. His name was Fr. William Johnson, S.J. He died in Tokyo, October 12th.
For me, he was one of my "teachers" in the life of prayer. I never met the man, but considered him a true "spiritual guide" in life. I tried to read everything he wrote. He authored a number of books, SILENT MUSIC, STILL POINT, the INNER EYE OF LOVE. His translation of THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING is still considered one of the best available. (The CLOUD OF UNKNOWING is a book written hundreds of years ago about prayer.) I consider his book BEING IN LOVE the best book I have ever read about prayer. I re-read it often.
In addition, Fr. Johnson emphasized in articles and talks that we need to continue to reach out to other religions - Buddhism, Islam, etc - is we are to ever achieve true peace in our world.
I learned of Fr. Johnson's death over the weekend. This morning, I will celebrate Mass for him. Like many Jesuits, he was a man devoted to serving the Lord, and keeping his heart and mind open to what the Lord is trying to teach us. I grieve that there will be no more writings from him. I celebrate that his life and his own devotion to prayer will remain a model for me for whatever time the Lord allows.