St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Carmelite friar and mystic, remains a towering figure in Christian spirituality. His writings, filled with profound insights into the mystical union with God, are characterized by both intense spiritual passion and stark, poetic imagery. His exploration of the "dark night of the soul," a period of spiritual dryness and desolation, resonates deeply with those seeking a closer relationship with the divine. Central to his teachings is the embrace of the cross – not merely as a symbol of suffering, but as a pathway to transformative spiritual growth. Let's delve into some of his most impactful quotes that illuminate this crucial aspect of his spiritual journey.
Understanding the Cross in St. John of the Cross's Teachings
Before examining specific quotes, it's important to understand St. John of the Cross's perspective on the cross. For him, the cross isn't simply a historical event or a symbol of martyrdom. It represents the active participation in God's suffering and purification, leading to a deeper union with Him. It's a path of self-emptying, stripping away the ego to make space for divine love. This self-emptying often involves periods of spiritual darkness and trial, which he describes vividly in his work.
Key Quotes and Their Significance
Here are some of St. John of the Cross's most insightful quotes related to embracing the cross, followed by explanations of their significance:
"The soul which is united to God has no will but His."
This quote speaks to the complete surrender required for spiritual transformation. It highlights the letting go of self-will and embracing God's will as the guiding force in one's life. This surrender isn't passive; it's an active choice to align oneself with divine purpose, even when that path is difficult or unclear. The "union with God" isn't a passive state, but a dynamic relationship requiring complete trust and obedience.
"The greatest perfection is to be wholly perfect in God's eyes, in the state to which He has called you."
This emphasizes the importance of accepting one's unique spiritual calling and striving for holiness within that context. It rejects the pursuit of external perfection or the comparison with others. True perfection, according to St. John of the Cross, lies in fulfilling God's will for one's life, regardless of its outward appearances. Embracing the cross, therefore, means accepting the specific challenges and opportunities God presents on one's individual path.
"Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love."
This quote, while seemingly simple, encapsulates a powerful truth about spiritual growth. It suggests that even in the midst of spiritual dryness or suffering ("the dark night"), the active choice to love, to extend compassion and grace, can unlock a deeper experience of God's love. This active participation in love, despite the challenges, is essential to embracing the cross and moving toward union with God.
"He who does not understand this Cross, does not understand anything of the spiritual life."
This strong statement underlines the centrality of the cross in the spiritual journey. It asserts that without an understanding of suffering, purification, and self-emptying, true spiritual progress cannot be achieved. The cross, therefore, isn't something to be avoided but something to be embraced as a vital element in the transformative process.
"In the night I will seek my Beloved." (Song of Songs 5:6, as interpreted by St. John of the Cross)
St. John frequently references the Song of Songs, seeing it as an allegory for the mystical union between the soul and God. This quote, drawn from the Song of Songs, emphasizes the active pursuit of God even in the darkness of the spiritual night. The "night" represents the periods of spiritual desolation, where God's presence may seem distant. However, St. John asserts that it is during these times that the soul can grow closest to God, through persistent seeking and unwavering faith. The embrace of the cross includes enduring this darkness and actively seeking the Beloved amidst it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "dark night of the soul"?
The "dark night of the soul" is a term coined by St. John of the Cross to describe a period of spiritual dryness and desolation. It's not a physical or psychological affliction, but a spiritual experience of seeming absence or distance from God. It often involves feelings of emptiness, spiritual aridity, and doubt. However, St. John believed that this dark night is a necessary stage on the path to spiritual union, purifying the soul and preparing it for deeper intimacy with God.
How does embracing the cross lead to spiritual growth?
Embracing the cross involves actively accepting suffering, challenges, and self-emptying as part of the spiritual journey. Through these experiences, the ego is gradually stripped away, making space for a deeper union with God. The challenges encountered during this process purify the soul and strengthen faith, ultimately leading to a more profound relationship with the divine.
Is the cross a purely negative experience in St. John of the Cross’s writings?
No, while the cross involves suffering and hardship, it's not viewed solely negatively by St. John of the Cross. Rather, he sees it as a necessary and transformative process that leads to purification and a deeper intimacy with God. The suffering is ultimately redemptive and a pathway to spiritual growth and union with the divine.
How can I practically apply St. John of the Cross's teachings on the cross to my daily life?
Applying these teachings involves actively seeking God's will in your daily life, accepting challenges with faith and trust, and practicing compassion and love even in difficult circumstances. It's about aligning your will with God's, even when it requires personal sacrifice or the endurance of suffering. It's a life of continuous surrender and trust in God's plan.
Through the contemplation of St. John of the Cross's powerful insights on embracing the cross, we can find a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey, and appreciate the transformative power of suffering and self-emptying in the quest for union with God. His words continue to inspire and guide seekers on their own paths to spiritual growth and closeness to the divine.
