Fr. William Meninger guides the reader through two basic works of inner development, The Ascent of Mount Carmel and The Dark Night of the Soul, by St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) . He unfolds for modern readers the essence of these classical texts, section by section. St. John of the Cross for Beginners is for anyone entering or considering the Christian path of inner work or wishing to go more deeply into one's path of development.
As formator for our Aspirants this year, I thought it might be helpful to read this to see if it would be helpful for new Carmelites. It is! So, I bought a copy for my Aspirant and think I will continue to give it as a gift for all incoming members to our community. It is concise, easy to read, with clear explanations of the theology of St. john of the Cross as he writes about it in The Ascent of Mount Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul. Although there is little about his other two important works, A Spiritual Canticle of the Soul and the Bridegroom Christ and Living Flame of Love, this gives enough on the first two books to help beginners get an idea of the Mystical doctor which will help them in their later reading of all of his works.
“ST. John of the Cross for Beginners” is an in-depth look at the writings and spiritual perspective of ST John of the Cross. Fr. Meninger focuses on “The Ascent of Mount Carmel” and “The Dark Night of the Soul,” two of the more well know writings of ST John of the Cross, to assist us, “the Catholic in the Pew”, to be prepared for this very spiritual encounter. Some times it is advisable to read about an author’s writings and in this case spiritual perspective before reading the actual writings of the author is a good approach to the writings of St John of the Cross. Experienced as an Audio Book.