This article is an attempt to place Annie Dillard's complex metaphysical work, Holy the Firm, in the context of Christian theology and mysticism. Holy the Firm attempts to enter through art and the power of languagethose realms of human experience that are inaccessible to ordinary perception. This article examines the role of suffering in spirituality as the book turns out to be an in-depth study of human suffering and the redeeming power of God. The reader is shown a glimpse of the point where matter and spirit, terror, and beauty intersect. Taking a real life incident of a little girl, whose face is burnt beyond recognition in a freak airplane accident, the narrative focuses on how God's grace can transform even the most grotesque of facts into something spiritual. The article examines the visionary experiences of Dillard, which turn out to be mystical in content. Her affinity to the medieval Christian mystic, Julian of Norwich, is also examined here.

Mysticism emphasizes a complete harmony with God and its goal is communion with the Divine. Mystical elements are found in all religions. Although it is stronger in Hinduism and Buddhism, it exists as a major element even in other religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Church history three periods-the third, 14^th and 17^th centuries-stand out as eras of much mysticism. Sometime during the 12^th century, Christian piety underwent a basic change: Its approach to God became more humane. The humanization of man's relation to God transforms man's attitude toward a creation in which God now comes to be more intimately present. The mystery of the divine incarnation here attains a more universal level of meaning. Christianity is founded on a single exemplary life-the life of Christ-and it continues to renew itself in the spectacle of the Passion. Christ's miraculous birth and ministry set the stage for the climactic acts of the Passion and Resurrection.

During the medieval period, new styles of sainthood appeared for women. New forms of devotion to God, like extreme ascetic practices entailing deprivation of food and sleep, intense meditation of the humanity of Christ, etc., became widespread among the women saints. New manifestations of sanctity were to be seen in the great upsurge in women's religious activity with the result that holy women found signs of Christ literally written on their bodies. The ability to shift the grounds of identity from self to God in religious life represents the most fully empowered human condition.

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