SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WITH ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

Photo: R. Massaro

"WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?"

This phrase became popular a few years ago and ended up on t-shirts, mugs, bracelets, and other novelty items.   However, if we take a deeper look at this simple question as did St. John of the Cross, we will find much needed wisdom and spiritual insight into the mystery of  becoming "Christlike."

From the Ascent of Mount Carmel:

First, have habitual desire to imitate Christ in all your deeds by bringing your life in conformity with his. You must then study his life in order to know how to imitate him and behave in all events as he would.

Wow! A few sentences and St. John of the Cross has gotten to the heart of the matter: If we want to be Christlike, we must study the life of Jesus and imitate him in all things. We might respond, "easier said than done," because of our fallen human nature. But, I would argue the point that we can achieve our goal of becoming saints if we have the desire and we cooperate with God's grace.

One of our beloved Carmelite saints, St. Therese, was known to love the Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis, and she also loved the Gospels. In fact, we can see in her writings many references to sacred scripture. We can observe the life of any saint and see that they were imitators of Christ.  How did they imitate him? Well, we know that charity above all is the highest gift and a true test of one living the spiritual life.  If we are easily irritated and put out by performing works of charity, our prayer cannot be authentic.

We can always look for the fruits of the Spirit to see if we are on the right track, we can discern if we exhibit Christlike traits. Traits such as gentleness and kindness, and of course patience.  Are we slow to anger and quick to forgive? Do we show mercy as mercy has been shown to us?

St. John of the Cross keeps us on track in the spiritual life by reminding us that we must study the life of Our Savior. Let us turn again and again to the Gospels, that his word and life and spirit penetrate the depths of our heart, that he fills us and forms us into His image. Then we can truly be a living witness of His kingdom.

What would Jesus do? What would Jesus have us do? Let us keep this in mind as we go about our daily activities.

Let us echo the words of St. Paul, Be imitators of God as his dear children. Follow the way of love, even as Christ loved you.
(Ephesians 5:1)

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS
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