St. John of the Cross:
A Mystic’s Call to Freedom in God
St. John of the Cross, recognised as a monumental figure in Christian mysticism, offers an intense perspective on freedom, one that transcends the boundaries of time, culture, and individual experience. His teachings resonate across generations, reminding us that authentic freedom is not rooted in the accumulation of material wealth, the exercise of power, or the pursuit of transient earthly pleasures. Instead, it is discovered in cultivating a profound, intimate relationship with God. Perhaps one of his most striking and iconic teachings succinctly captures this truth: “Live in the world as if only GOD and your SOUL were in it; then your HEART will never be made CAPTIVE by any earthly thing.” This profound invitation encourages us to explore the transformative power of spiritual detachment and the true liberation that comes from prioritizing our lives around the divine.
A Life of Surrender and Love
The journey of St. John of the Cross was punctuated by immense struggles, including periods of severe hardship and imprisonment, primarily due to his reformist endeavours within the Carmelite order, which aimed to restore its original principles of austerity and devotion to prayer. During these harrowing times, his spirit remained unwavering, fueled by a profound and unshakeable love for God. St. John of the Cross collaborated closely with St. Teresa of Ávila, working tirelessly to breathe new life into the Carmelite order and to steer it back to its roots in prayerfulness, humility, and strict discipline. His spiritual writings, particularly the influential "The Dark Night of the Soul" and "The Ascent of Mount Carmel," are revered as timeless masterpieces of Christian spirituality. These texts have guided countless souls toward a deeper and more meaningful union with the Divine, helping individuals to navigate their spiritual journeys with insight and clarity.
Living as If Only God Matters
The essence of St. John of the Cross's exhortation to live as if only God and the soul mattered is not meant to undermine the significance of our earthly responsibilities or relationships. Instead, it calls for a deliberate and thoughtful reordering of our hearts and priorities. In a world increasingly inundated with distractions, ranging from the pervasive influence of social media to the relentless pursuit of materialism and the incessant demands of daily life, St. John of the Cross urges us to maintain our focus unflinchingly on God. This intentional gaze allows us to align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with our spiritual convictions. When we centre our lives around God, every action we undertake, whether related to family, work, acts of service, or expressions of love, flows from this sacred divine core. With God occupying the throne of our hearts, we can experience genuine freedom; nothing earthly can ensnare or enslave us, allowing us to navigate life with grace and ease.
The Captivity of the Heart
In contemporary existence, many individuals find themselves ensnared by anxieties, overly absorbed in ambition, or driven by insatiable desires that lead to a cycle of unfulfillment. When we cling too tightly to wealth, the compulsion for recognition, or the relentless pursuit of transient pleasures, we risk sacrificing the profound interior peace and deep-seated joy that can only be found in a nurturing relationship with God. St. John of the Cross understood this existential plight intimately. He articulated that the act of detachment from created things does not signify a wholesale rejection of those things as inherently evil; rather, it represents a profound refusal to allow them to dictate our lives and decisions. When God truly becomes our sole treasure, even our experiences of suffering and struggle can be reframed as precious opportunities for spiritual growth and avenues toward holiness, fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with the Divine.
A Timeless Message for Today
In our contemporary world, characterised by relentless noise, rampant consumerism, and a pervasive state of distraction, the message of St. John of the Cross resonates with particular urgency and relevance. His mystical vision offers a compelling remedy for the pervasive restlessness many individuals feel amid societal pressures. It urges us toward practices such as silence, contemplative prayer, and a total surrender to God’s will.
To live in a manner that treats only God and the soul as paramount is to embrace a life defined by simplicity, trust, and a profound rejection of the chains of earthly attachments. This approach enables our hearts to open fully to the boundless joy and transformative love that God offers, allowing us to live freely and authentically in the radiant light of His grace. In examining our lives through this lens, we can discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the superficialities of contemporary existence.
Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD,
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
Thank you dear Father for your marvelous work !!!!
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