St. John of the Cross:
The Poverty That Enriches the Soul
On this auspicious occasion, I wish you a joyful celebration of the feast day of St. John of the Cross.
St. John of the Cross, a prominent figure in the history of spirituality, was born in Spain in the late 16th century and died there. His humble beginnings were marked by poverty, as his parents were unable to provide him with formal training in any trade or profession. This lack of opportunity led him to devote himself to serving the sick in the hospital of Medina, where he gained a profound understanding of suffering and compassion.
In the year 1563, he made a significant decision to offer himself as a lay brother to the Carmelite friars. However, recognising his extraordinary spiritual gifts and intellectual capability, the friars encouraged him to pursue ordination as a priest. As he delved deeper into his spiritual journey, St. John contemplated joining the more austere Order of the Carthusians, known for its rigorous lifestyle. Yet it was St. Teresa of Avila who saw his potential and persuaded him to stay and assist her in reforming the Carmelite Order, which needed revitalisation.
The challenges St. John faced during this reform were numerous and often excruciating. The very efforts to bring about spiritual renewal within the Order subjected him to significant trials, resulting in immense personal suffering. These hardships, however, served a divine purpose; they helped to detach him from worldly attachments and fostered a deeper connection to God. He had an ardent devotion to the Passion of Christ, which led him to seek out situations that would humble him. When asked by Our Lord what reward he desired for his dedication and labour, St. John humbly replied, “To suffer and to be despised for Thee.” Ultimately, he succumbed to a painful illness known as erysipelas, holding tightly to the crucifix during his final moments. His contributions to mystical theology were so profound that in 1926, Pope Pius XI declared him a Doctor of the Church. This year, as Carmelites, we are celebrating the Centenary of the Doctor of the Church.
FASTING IN TONGUE IS BETTER THAN FASTING FROM FOOD.
One of St. John's insightful teachings focuses on the discipline of speech. He emphasised that proper spiritual discipline is grounded in transformation rather than mere outward appearances of piety. His assertion, “Fasting in tongue is better than fasting on food,” is much more than a poetic metaphor. It serves as a keen observation of human behaviour; while abstaining from food can often seem straightforward, controlling one's speech poses a far greater challenge.
Many find it relatively easy to skip a meal, but fewer can resist the temptation to make hurtful remarks, gossip, or complain. The tongue can often reveal a person's inner state more honestly than any external religious practice. Through our words, we can see reflections of pride, insecurity, envy, resentment, and self-indulgence. St. John understood this reality well. He had spent years guiding souls who misguidedly believed that their adherence to external rules equated to holiness, yet left a trail of emotional harm in their interactions with others.
A person who may fast from food but continues to harm others with their words is spiritually impoverished, despite outwardly observing religious practices. Fasting from the tongue requires an individual to confront profound aspects of the self. In silence, one can examine hidden motives that are usually obscured by constant chatter. Such a withdrawal from speaking fosters self-reflection, healing, and humility. It also disciplines the ego, which resists silence. By practising restraint in speech, one can create a space that allows for thoughtful listening, understanding, and a wise response, rather than reacting impulsively.
This fasting approach is not about being mute; it’s about achieving mastery over one's tongue. Speaking only when truly necessary, rather than succumbing to emotional impulses, ensures that words have the power to heal rather than cause harm. One becomes increasingly aware of the weight that words carry and the impact they have on those around them.
While food fasts primarily nourish the body, fasting from the tongue shapes and reshapes the individual on a deeper, spiritual level. St. John’s candid teaching highlights that for anyone desiring serious spiritual growth, mastering speech is essential; it is, in fact, a foundational aspect of this journey.
The Poverty That Enriches the Soul
St. John of the Cross reminds us that true satisfaction of the heart is not found in the accumulation of material possessions but rather in the freedom of spiritual simplicity. He famously stated, “Satisfaction of the heart is not found in the possession of things, but in the nakedness of all and a poor spirit.”
In a world often consumed by ambition, the pursuit of wealth, and the desire for achievement, St. John invites us to revisit the serene joy of detachment. His words stress that the most profound fulfillment does not arise from what we possess but from our willingness to let go and surrender to God.
The concept of “nakedness of all” symbolises a radical form of detachment, one that liberates the soul from the false sense of security that comes from controlling or owning things. This state of nakedness is not about seeking misery; rather, it is about experiencing freedom, a heart that finds its worth not in material wealth, but in its openness to grace. Embracing this spiritual poverty unveils a divine love that far surpasses any earthly treasure.
A "poor spirit" is not synonymous with weakness; instead, it embodies strength that has been refined through the virtue of humility. Such an individual acknowledges their limitations and willingly places themselves in a position where they can allow God to be everything in their lives. This state of being fosters peace amid scarcity, hope in the face of loss, and joy in surrendering to God's will.
Ultimately, true fulfilment is found not in accumulating, but in the experience of communion with God and others. It involves aligning our desires with the purity and simplicity of Christ, who, though He owned nothing, possessed the fullness of divine love. To embrace spiritual poverty is to cultivate a richness found in peace, compassion, and an intimate relationship with the divine.
Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD,
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
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