Spiritual Direction with St. John of the Cross

Many spiritual persons, after having exercised themselves in approaching God through images, forms, and meditations suitable for beginners, err greatly if they do not determine, dare, or know how to detach themselves from these palpable methods to which they are accustomed. For God then wishes to lead them to more spiritual, interior, and invisible graces by removing the gratification derived from discursive meditation. They still try to hold on to these methods, desiring to travel the road of consideration and meditation, using images as before. They think they must always act in this way. Striving hard to meditate, they draw out little satisfaction or none at all. Rather, aridity, fatigue, and restlessness of soul increase in the measure they strive through meditation for that former sweetness, now unobtainable. They will no longer taste that sensible food, as we said, but rather will enjoy another food, more delicate, interior, and spiritual. Not by working with the imagination will they acquire this spiritual nourishment but by pacifying the soul, by leaving it to its more spiritual quiet and repose.
The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Bk II, Chap. 12, No. 6


St. John of the Cross gently tells us that we must be bold in our effort to be detached from our familiar way of prayer in seeking union with God. He tells us over and over again in his writings the mistakes beginners make. They seek shelter and comfort in the consolation of meditation when God is clearly calling them to leave behind reason and imagination to explore the hidden depths of his love where images and forms and labor of the intellect do not exist. This can be a frightening prospect! 


The saints were not timid in this regard. We, too, in order to obtain purity of heart, must leave the familiar road of prayer behind, renounce our spiritual "comfort zone," and follow the Lord where he leads. He leads us through the night of faith. He leads us through dryness and lack of consolation. But this is the cross, the cross we promised to embrace when we entered Carmel. 


Although we may feel alone, and even feel abandoned at times in our purification, we know that he is with us every step of the way, for he promised us that he would be with us always.


He knows the way for each of us that leads to his heart. This is the place where mystical secrets and "invisible graces" as St. John states are shared between lovers. Let us trust in him that he knows the way. Let us trust that he is our light and lamp that leads us on the dark night of faith to union with him.
Let us pray for each other.



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
_____________________