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The Advent Longing Of St. John Of The Cross
The Advent Longing Of St. John Of The Cross

In Advent, the feast is coming, but the fast also has a place. They are both meant to be part of a healthy spiritual life, even if they seem like opposites. St. John of the Cross can help us understand this strange juxtaposition between longing and fulfillment.

Holiness scares the devil
Holiness scares the devil

The evil one actively avoids the soul that rests in union with God.  St. Joseph is referred to as Terror of Demons; St. John of the Cross teaches that this admirable office is not reserved only for the foster father of the Lord. It may be held by any of us.

How To Read St. John Of The Cross
How To Read St. John Of The Cross

If you have tried to read St. John of the Cross and found him frustrating, or you have never picked up anything by him but want to, here are my suggestions on beginning, or beginning again.

The Joy of Mortification
The Joy of Mortification

The world tells us that the key to happiness is to figure out what you want, and go get it, letting no one stand in your way. Jesus very obviously wants to point us in the opposite direction, away from ourselves.

“You do very well, O soul, to seek Him ever as one hidden, for you exalt God immensely and approach very near Him when you consider Him higher and deeper than anything you can reach.”

St. John of the Cross, The Spiritual Canticle, Stanza 1.12

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Featured, The Book Cellar Glenn Dickinson Featured, The Book Cellar Glenn Dickinson

The Spiritual Canticle

St. John of the Cross began composing his poem, "The Spiritual Canticle," when he was imprisoned by his brother friars in Toledo, Spain. The Carmelite order at that time was at war with itself. During the previous centuries, the disciplines required of the nuns and friars had slowly been relaxed, although they still were austere by modern standards.

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