The Ascent of Mount Carmel: Reflections

by Marc Foley

Saint John of the Cross is one of Christianity’s 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. The Notes and Index sections are fully linked. **Catholic Press Association Best Book from a Catholic Publisher 2014 2nd place.** MORE INFORMATION Marc Foley, OCD, is a Discalced Carmelite priest and member of the Washington Province (U.S.A.) of Discalced Carmelite friars. He is a longtime member and former chair of the Institute of Carmelite Studies. Currently he serves as publisher of ICS Publications and as director of formation at the Carmelite House of Studies located in Washington, D.C. A spiritual director and popular retreat master, Father Marc is the author of ten books, six of them with ICS Publications, on St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING... “Marc Foley’s splendid grasp of human nature—enhanced by his training in psychology as well as his keen and extensive reading of literature—makes him a very able guide to John of the Cross’s contemplative wisdom.” —Dr. Keith J. Egan, T.O.Carm. Adjunct professor of theology, University of Notre Dame Aquinas chair in Catholic Theology Emeritus, Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana “Father Marc Foley may think he has written a book of 'reflections' (his word) based on the commentary by St. John of the Cross called The Ascent of Mount Carmel. But as I read it I thought over and over, 'This is a Master Class on the spiritual life!' This book is that good. This is not... devotional or feel-good spirituality. This is heavy-duty, life-reworking spirituality… really deep stuff intended for those who desire to advance really far on the spiritual path. …. I have never read anything that made St. John of the Cross come so alive.” —Gregory Houck, O.Carm. (writing in Carmelite Review)

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic, Nonfiction, Theology

256 pages, Kindle Edition

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