E3 | Echoes of Carmel – Ken Hackett – Saint John of the Cross with John Quigley

Radio Maria Ireland

18th September, 2024 –

Ken and guest John Quigley discuss Saint John of the Cross and his significant contributions to Carmelite spirituality. Here’s a summary of topics discussed:

Introduction

• Welcome Message: The show, “Echoes of Carmel,” highlights Carmelite saints, including upcoming discussions on Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, Saint Benedicta of the Cross, and Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity.
• Topic Focus: Today’s focus is on Saint John of the Cross, a Carmelite priest, mystic, reformer, and Doctor of the Church.

Early Life of Saint John of the Cross

• Background: Born in 1542, John faced hardship after losing his father early in life. His mother struggled to support him.
• Education and Early Work: Worked in a hospital, fostering a deep understanding of suffering before entering the priesthood and studying in Salamanca.
• Connection with Saint Teresa: Met Saint Teresa in 1567, who encouraged him to reform the Carmelite Friars.

The Reform of the Carmelites

• Involvement in Reform: St. John became deeply involved in reforming the Carmelite order, influenced by Teresa’s earlier successes with the sisters.
• Imprisonment: Endured nine months of imprisonment in Toledo due to his reform efforts, during which he wrote profound mystical poetry, including parts of the “Spiritual Canticle.”

Spiritual Writings

• Mystical Poetry: St. John’s writings, such as “The Dark Night” and “The Living Flame of Love,” explore the spiritual journey and union with God.
• The Dark Night: Describes stages of spiritual growth through suffering and darkness, leading to divine union.
• The Ascent of Mount Carmel: This work outlines the active and passive purifications necessary for spiritual growth, focusing on detachment from material and spiritual things.

Key Themes in John’s Writings

• Detachment: Emphasizes the importance of detachment from both material and spiritual comforts to achieve union with God.
• Faith and Reason: Discusses the balance between faith and reason, asserting that faith is an essential means to reach God.
• Paradox of Spiritual Life: St. John’s work highlights the paradoxical nature of experiencing God through unknowing and darkness.

The Process of Union with God

• Stages of Spiritual Growth: The journey toward union with God is a continuous process, with different stages articulated through poetic imagery.
• Role of Love: John’s concept of the “wound of love” emphasizes transformation through divine love, which heals even as it wounds.

Contemporary Application

• Challenges in Modern Life: Reflects on the difficulty of living detachment in a materialistic world but suggests that the path to God remains a personal and hidden journey.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for Listeners: John’s works encourage perseverance in the spiritual journey despite challenges, emphasizing that true spiritual growth transcends emotions and sensations.

This dialogue serves as a rich introduction to Saint John of the Cross, illustrating his profound influence on mysticism and spirituality within the Carmelite tradition. If you have specific aspects you’d like to delve into further or any particular themes you’re interested in exploring, let us know.

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