The Dark Night of the Soul

This phrase has become common place for us these days, but today's saint is the one who brought this concept to light!  If you have never read any of these classic Christian books, I encourage it...a great read for the new year book list!

St. John of the Cross

Feast day: December 14
Birth: 1542
Death: 1591
Patron:  Contemplative life; mystical theology; Spanish poets
Spain

The life of John actually should begin with his parents.  His father was born of a wealthy noble family but fell in love with a weaver's daughter.  In this period of time, this was not acceptable but John's father gave up everything to be with her.  Unfortunately, John's father died soon after John was born and his mother was left to take care of a baby alone.  They would remain homeless for most of his childhood.

John was allowed to attend a small school set up to teach the poor children.  He was chosen to serve as an acolyte at a nearby monastery of Augustinian nuns.  At fourteen, John took a job caring for hospital patients who suffered from incurable diseases and madness.

In 1564, John professed his religious vows as a Carmelite and studied theology and philosophy at the university.  After John joined the Carmelite order, Saint Teresa of Avila asked him to help her reform the order back to its original rule.  At this time he changed his name to John of the Cross.

However, there were a few in the order who did not approve of this reform and had John kidnapped.  He was locked in a cell six feet by ten feet and beaten three times a week by the monks. There was only one tiny window high up near the ceiling. Yet in that unbearable dark, cold, and desolation, his love and faith were like fire and light. He had nothing left but God.

John spent his days in prayer and he wrote beautiful poetry (a gift he considered from God).  He lived in this cell for nine months and escaped by unscrewing the lock on his door, sneaking past the guard and descending through a window on a blanket rope.  It is said a dog led him out of the wilderness to safety.

He found refuge in a convent and read his newly written poetry to the nuns as he recovered.  He never spoke of his harsh treatment in an ill way.  Instead, his poetry gave way to love and a deeper faith.  John left us many books of practical advice on spiritual growth and prayer that are just as relevant today as they were then. These books include:

• Ascent of Mount Carmel
• Dark Night of the Soul
• A Spiritual Canticle of the Soul and the Bridegroom Christ

Through his writings we learn that God is always with us in spite of our trials and doubts.  By showing love, even in hard situations, we are sharing in God's love and are united with him.  

"What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom -- your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and you won't find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you." 

John would go on to lead the establishment of monasteries for the reformed order throughout Spain.  During one of his travels, he acquired a terrible infection and he soon died from complications of this illness in 1591.

"With what procrastinations do you wait, since from this very moment you can love God in your heart?"

St. John of the Cross, pray for us!