True Wisdom and Maturity- Saints’ Writings?

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iwillrisenowinfaith

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Like many young people, I am surrounded by individuals who believe that true maturity and growth only come from achieving certain earthly goals (specifially getting married, having children, purchasing property, and achieving career success). Yet I am well aware that many of the saints did none of these things in their time on earth. I’m not here to knock earthly things as they do carry a lot of potential for those who acquire them to guide them towards eternal things. That being said, are there any books or writings of the saints on the topic that discuss keeping one’s focus on eternal things, whether you achieve the earthly things or not? Are there any particular saints who have special regard for those tempted to place these things over eternal things?
 
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Thomas Merton, “No Man Is An Island.”

The book is a collection of short essays which deals with enduring values both spiritual and daily life.

Jim
 
iwillrisenowinfaith said:
true maturity and growth only come from achieving certain earthly goals (specifially getting married, having children, purchasing property, and achieving career success).
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Actually, many if not most people believe that true maturity comes when you can handle adult responsibilities and decisions without having to run to your parents or some other older relative or the government for help or funding. It’s not about how rich you are or how many kids you have, it’s about self-sufficiency.

If you are a member of a religious order, or an independent wandering holy person/ hermit/ preacher, as many saints were, you’re probably pretty good at handling responsibilities without somebody holding your hand every minute. Many saints also had spouses, children and/or some kind of career or work other than just being saintly.

Your query is really broad and you’d be better off finding a specific saint or two whose example you most admire and reading up on them.
 
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I would suggest “ The Sanctifier “
by Luis Martinez -
Translation by Sister M. Aquinas, O.S.U.
 
The late Archbishop Luis Martinez writings should be read by everyone.
 
I told myself I wouldn’t post here anymore…but I couldn’t resist helping you out with this.

St. John of the Cross is probably the saint to go if you want to read more about spiritual detachment. He also speaks of a Dark Night of the Senses that beginning converts go through. This is not to be mistaken for the Dark Night of the Soul, which occurs for those more advanced souls. The Dark Night of the Senses is when the soul finds no joy in earthly things or in God because God has also decided to pull away his consoling sweetness in prayer. This is when true detachment begins: when the soul can finally love God for who He is and not just for what pleasure He offers the soul through consolation.

Great article here: Detachment According to St. John of The Cross

Some other saints that have helped me on this subject are St. Frances of Rome and St. Teresa of Avila. St. Frances of Rome doesn’t have any writings, but her biography is something to learn from. She struggled with her intense desire to give everything up, yet was pulled into the world by her high rank in society. Her biography is here: St. Frances of Rome - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

St. Teresa of Avila is also a great one to read about. She dealt with lukewarmness and attachments to earthly things. All of her writings are pure gold; she’s also a Doctor of the Church.

edit: just found another great article on detachment with quotes by St. Alphonsus De Liguori. Saint Alphonsus on Detachment | A Blog for Dallas Area Catholics
 
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There are married saints.
People from all walks of life are called to holiness
 
Thank you for offering so many great suggestions. I pray others who are reading will look into some of these as well, no matter your state in life. We can all use a bit more wisdom of the saints in our lives no matter who we are.
 
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I like and can relate to this post. Depending on the household you grew up in, you achieving material or earthly success means your parents raised you well.
Spiritual maturity is something a lot of people lack honestly. It is difficult to attain and it is an everlasting process.
How often does God want us to consider the eternal?
 
St John of the Cross is good, but often you need some guidance with his writings.

Either way, you must pray and ask God to direct you to the reading material which will feed you best.

Jim
 
You OP is quite wise in-itself.

I would recommend you to Ralph Martin’s “Fullfillment of All Desire.”
 
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