Spiritual Direction With St. John of the Cross

I should like to persuade spiritual persons that the road leading to God does not entail a multiplicity of considerations, methods, manners and experiences--though in their own way these may be a requirement for beginners--but demands only the one thing necessary: true self-denial, exterior and interior, through surrender of self both to suffering for Christ and to annihilation in all things. In the exercise of this self-denial everything else, and even more, is discovered and accomplished. If one fails in the exercise, the root and sum total of all the virtues, the other methods would amount to no more than going around in cirlces without getting anywhere, even were one to enjoy considerations and communications as lofty as those of the angels.

A person makes progress only by imitating Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...
From The Ascent of Mount Carmel, BK II, Chap. 7, No. 8

During this season of penance and self-denial, let us pray for each other that our sacrifices may not be an end to themselves, but so that we may imitate Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. Life is short, let us deny ourselves something each day so that we may grow in virtue. Let us remember, too, as St. John teaches us that true prayer comes from the heart. It is not a technique or a method to be conquered. 

As Secular Carmelites let us be faithful to our 1/2 hour of prayer each day. Consider it a "mini-retreat" where you can spend time with the One whom we know loves us.


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
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