Spanish born St John of the Cross (1542-1591) was a major figure in the Counter Reformation (or Catholic Reformation). A priest, poet, artist and mystic, he worked closely with St Teresa of Avila in reforming the Carmelite Order, for which he was imprisoned in 1577. During this time he suffered great privation (including being beaten three times each week), but gained profound spiritual insights, many of which are recorded in his best know work, the “Dark Night of the Soul.” This is our third and final look at some of the sayings attributed to him…
- If you wish to be like Christ, call or look always for the cross – St John of the Cross
- God, like the sun, stands above souls ready to communicate Himself – St John of the Cross
- What captures and harms the soul is not the things of this world but rather the will and desire for them: for what enters into the soul and dwells in it is not the things but the desire for things – St John of the Cross
- Many a dark night of the soul brings forth a richer love of life and God – St John of the Cross
As always, nice chatting…
