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.

We are familiar with the importance of unconditional love. What the saint teaches us, what is perhaps no less important for holiness, is unconditional freedom.

St. John of the Cross does not want merely to bring you close to a true understanding of your flawed and broken self. He also is bringing you close to the fire, to the “living flame of love, that tenderly wounds my soul in the deepest center.”