St.John of the Cross, Dark night of the Soul?

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Stephentlig

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Have you read this work of St.John of the Cross, I’m almost finished it, how do you find the book? even if you havnt finished it give me your review of it and how its helped you along the Spiritual path?

There are different translations of course, which translation do you think works out best for you?

Have you read any other works by St.John ? if so, please do tell me all about them.

Pax Christi
Stephen <3
 
**Yes, I have that book. I learned about it from other Catholics.
**
 
I have read the book. I don’t think my translation was great, so it was harder to follow, but I got through. I liked it. I use his analogy of God being a parent a lot. I like that he wrote that God cradles us when we are young in our faith and as we grow, He puts us down to walk. That it is painful to not have Him holding us still, but what joy comes in being to run freely towards Him when we are able,

I read this pretty soon after “Confessions” by St. Augustine and his book helped a lot in letting me apply some of St. John’s message without all because it does seem morose in places. But I like recommending it to people. Are you enjoying it?
 
I read the first parts about pride, and it was very good. Lately, during my “dark night” experiences I even get some very annoying thoughts at times, not unlike those described in the book. That was several years ago, though, when I read it and at the time I was in quite a bit of mental/spiritual turmoil. Now that God has healed me and restored my faculties, I think I’ll start reading it again right after I send this post. 🙂

Also, I totally relate to the stanzas of the soul. I am much into silent prayer, and achieving interior silence as a way to deny myself and invite the Holy Spirit to do healing. The stanzas are so beautiful is makes me want to go read Song of Songs. :love:

The other day I found some online versions of it. At first glance, this one seems decent:

ocd.or.at/ics/john/dn.html

Alan
 
I have read most of St. John’s works, but for many of us, the most practical one is the Ascent of Mount Carmel. Here’s an index of the contents: ccel.org/ccel/john_cross/ascent.toc.html

Book I exposes how our desires can be harmful, darkening and weakening the soul. Book III is excellent, giving solid proofs of why supernatural gifts of many kinds are to be set aside by the will so that we can be grounded in faith. He explains the nature of these gifts, and how to detach oneself so the person can proceed safely to Divine Union.

I’ve seen comments by many people who think St. John’s writing is rather harsh, but a closer look will demonstrate why the Church named him Doctor of the Church for his very wise theology, and pure motive in seeking the highest good for souls.
 
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