Monday was the Feast of Saint John of the Cross (DoctorsoftheCatholicChurch.com). He is one of the Mystical Doctors of the Church and his writings are considered some of the most remarkable and beautiful prose and poetry ever written — in any context. They also are powerful and extol on the power of prayer drawing you close to God and the joy of faith.
John lived an impoverished life. He grew up poor because his father, born into nobility, was disowned by his family for marrying a commoner. But his parents raised him well, with proper values for love of God. When his father died, his mother held the family together, but it was difficult to find work. John worked several difficult jobs, but hearing the call of God, he became a priest and joined the Carmelites. Saint Teresa of Avila (see Women for Faith & Family) saw a grace in him and asked him to help her in her reform movement. But John’s own Carmelites were suspicious and persecuted him. They put him in solitary confinement and was beat three times a week before he escaped after nine months.
During those nine months he fully opened himself to God, despite living in utter despair, and wrote his mystic prose and poems. He realized that God alone is the source of joy and that seeking happiness in the world is like “a famished person who opens his mouth to satisfy himself with air” (Catholic Online).
Saint John of the Cross is worthy of study and his Feast this time of year is appropriate as we prepare the way of the Lord. He tells us to fully open our hearts to God, to find Him within ourselves and not through the secular world, and to let Him fill us with an ever deepening faith. That’s the true meaning of Christmas and that’s how we find real joy.
Saint John of the Cross’ mysticism still brings people closer to God. Prayer is at the center of developing a closer relationship with God and where you will find joy.
From Saint John of the Cross:
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.
