The Ascent of Mount Carmel: Reflections

by Marc Foley

Saint John of the Cross is one of Christianity greatest poets and mystics. Nevertheless, his subject matter and writing style, coupled with his use of Scholastic terminology, can make his prose difficult to understand and intimidating.

Readers of The Ascent of Mount Reflections will thank Father Marc Foley for making John s thought accessible and refreshingly contemporary. The author shares with contemporary spiritual seekers his seasoned wisdom, gleaned from years of reading and teaching John of the Cross. He deftly weaves together insights from psychology, theology, and literature to make The Ascent of Mount Carmel both understandable and relevant to daily life.

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic, Nonfiction, Theology

238 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 17, 2023: Rereading to be available as a formator for Formation II class if required. Our new formation books pair this up one-for-one with the classic, something we did not have or do when I studied John's classic text years ago.

Extremely helpful book in understanding works of St. John of the Cross. I have listened to it twice, mostly for assistance in reading, The Ascent of Mount Carmel. Will certainly return to it as Fr. Foley has a great grasp of Juan de la Cruz.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really opened up St. John of the Cross's writings for me. I also really liked the deft use of literature in providing example and to amplify was John was saying. The ending "For Reflection" is not just throw-aways to fill out content. Summaries that hit to the spiritual bone and challenge me.

[Dcn. Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIGHLY recommend reading this before Ascent of Mt Carmel. Some very important clarifications (such as what does it mean to “desire nothing” and “annihilate the memory” as St. John of the Cross famously writes) as well as profound insights of his own! Nice short 2-5 page chapters perfect for meditation during a holy hour.

[Graham Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinarily helpful.

If, like me, you find the writing of St. John of the Cross a little difficult to understand and assimilate, then you really should read this book if you are serious in your desire to attain to a transforming union with God.

[Barbara Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Fr. Marc has written has been a great help in bringing Discalced Carmelite Spirituality into the 21st Century, and this is a great example. This book is good to read alongside St. John of the Cross's original work of the same title.

[Kathryn Wickward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enormously helpful companion read to the Ascent.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful and thought-provoking. I am grateful to have Father Foley's guidance while exploring the depths of the theology of St John of the Cross.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me absolutely ages to read, but it's wonderful. Really accessible, readable, with some profound learning. I loved it

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful spiritual book helping the reader to better understand St. John of the Cross. I shall refer to the reflections on a regular basis to keep me grounded. I wish this book to be widely read both in the laity and those in the Church's high offices..

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. John of the Cross made clear

Sometimes St. John is difficult to understand. Mark Foley has a way of cutting though that difficulty and to give us what we need for spiritual growth.

[Joe A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the works of John of the Cross