I’m thinking of buying it, but I can’t decide between Imitation of Christ, Dark Night of the Soul, or Interior Castle… I want to read into the writings of the mystics and I don’t know where to start. I’ve read that Imitation of Christ is the best way to start learning from the mystics. Any reccommendations?
Ok. Here’s my thoughts.
I have a copy of the Imitation by my beside. It’s a great book, with great wisdom. The only downside to it is that it has broad maxims. They aren’t specific to ‘do this or do that’-- they tell you how to live in a general way. Not that it’s bad-- it’s fantastic. And it kicks my rear-end every time I read it. But it’s different. I do enjoy it a lot, though, don’t get me wrong. So many great sections on how we have to remember to be humble and suffer for Christ, to pick up our Cross. I haven’t even gotten to the section on devotion to the Eucharist yet.
Now, being an 18 year old male, I’ve found another book, which is similar to the Imitation but more specific, to be more exciting, and more specific-- hence, better
for me. That book?
The Spiritual Combat by Lorenzo Scupoli. Don’t doubt its credentials, as every copy will assert somewhere, it was the constant companion of St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, for 18 years. Personally, as a guy, I really like the battle imagery. As my best friend and roommate said, while commenting on a passage I showed him, “it makes everything so epic.” Yes. I like explosions and battles. So does he. For instance, *“The first thing to do when you awake is to open the windows of your soul. Consider yourself as on the field of battle, facing the enemy and bound by the iron-clad law-- either fight or die.” *It’s somewhat humorous at times, but it’s also somewhat refreshing to read a spiritual work with speaks of making war with evil in order to achieve victory. I recommend this as an alternative to the *Imitation *if that’s the type of thing you want.
As for the mystics–
What they’ll start with is one thing. Get rid of sin. That’s the point of Teresa’s first mansion, that’s the point of the ascent as well. Mysticism is about an awesome love union with God, and, well, you can’t be united with God in love until you (or rather, God by His grace with your cooperation) reduce sin as much as possible.
I just recently got a book on prayer about them-- “
Fire Within: St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and the Gospel-- On Prayer” by Fr. Thomas Dubay. It’s very inspirational, and a good starter for understanding the mystics, I think. I started both Theresa’s
Interior Castle and John’s
Ascent but really abandoned both because I didn’t understand what they were getting on about. When I finish this book I am most definitely going to read the mystics, both of them, but understanding them better. I also recommend this book highly. It’s really inspired me to take charge of beconming holy. Whatever does it best for you-- good luck! Ask me if you have more questions.
-Rob
