Selected Writings

The Classics of Western Spirituality

by John of the Cross, Kieran Kavanaugh (Editor)

"...a milestone in American religious publishing." New Catholic World John of the Selected Writings translated and introduced by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D. preface by Ernest E. Larkin, O. Carm. I abandoned and forgot myself Laying my face on my beloved; All things ceased; I went out from myself, Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies. John of the Cross 1542-1591 There are few works on the spiritual life in the West that can match the insight and sheer beauty of those of the sixteenth-century Spanish Carmelite, St. John of the Cross. A collaborator with St. Teresa of Avila in the reform movement that attempted to forge a new style of religious life, dedicated to recollection yet distinct from both the enthusiasm of the alumbrados and the sterility of the conventual Carmelites, John was no stranger to suffering. As he so memorable wrote in The Ascent of Mount Carmel, summing up his doctrine of detachment, "nothing (nada), nothing, nothing, and even on the Mountain nothing." Yet the harshness of his teaching that emerges in the context of his commentaries on his poetry is balance by the poetry itself-a poetry that breathes the warmth and sweetness of the tender love of God that made John one of the greatest mystical writers of all time and earned him the title, Doctor of the Church. Here, under one cover, are selections from his major works in a revised translation by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D. Taken as a whole, this volume represents the essential St. John of the Cross and will serve well both the newcomer and the expert. †

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Catholic, Christianity, Poetry, Mysticism

326 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1987

About the author

St. John of the Cross (Spanish: Juan de la Cruz), born June 24 1542, Juan de Yepes Álvarez, was a major Counter-Reformation figure, a Spanish mystic, Catholic saint, Carmelite friar and priest. He was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered, along with St Teresa of Ávila, as a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He's also known for his writings. Both his poetry & his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature & a peak of all Spanish literature. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He is one of the 33 Doctors of the Church. (less)

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Dark Night of the Soul a few years ago on my kindle, for free. I wanted to read it again, and maybe delve a bit more into John of the Cross, so I got this physical book. It includes portions from his works The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Dark Night, Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love. There is a progression in these four works. Honestly though, I preferred reading the Dark Night straight through. The other three works all have nuggets of beauty, but I did not find them quite as compelling. Maybe that simply means I am still a beginner in spirituality, so in ten years I'll find more. So if you're new to John of the Cross, get a free e-book version of just the Dark Night. If you're a mystic, read all his writings found here.

[Dmcconkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selected writings that include: The Ascent to Mount Carmel; The Dark Night of the Soul; The Spiritual Canticle; and the Living Flame of Love. Great introduction and translation of John of the Cross’ writings. I should have read this book first before tackling Dark Night twice – would have found out that The Ascent is the first book to read then one has a better understanding of The Dark Night. John of the Cross tried to put into words the process of coming to know Christ and walk with Him daily & completely. Challenging reading as one thinks about how to go about developing spirituality in self and those seeking to shepherd. Not easy answers or 1, 2…steps to success.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book included as much background on the life of John of the Cross
as it did on his writings. I was interested in this 16th century Spanish Carmelite monk because of his connection with St. Teresa of Avila. They were both mystics and part of the reform movement in the Catholic Church. The main lesson I learned from John's life was his
gentle and gracious responses to persecution and much misunderstanding
by leaders of the Roman Church. He seemed to have a servant heart, a
sense of humor, loyalty to friends, and a genuine walk with the Lord.
It's good for a Southern Evangelical in the "New World" to have this
occasional exposure to some genuine 'saints' in the Catholic Church.

[IAO131 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic of Christian mysticism. St John of the Cross is one of the few mystics who have attained while also retaining the ability to speak clearly and coherently. As in other classics of Christian mysticism, a great deal of the doctrines of Thelemic mysticism are prefigured. The 'dark night of the soul' in particular can be seen as an extended commentary on the ordeal of the Abyss. Recommended to all interested in mysticism, especially any Thelemites wishing to understand some of the roots of our own doctrines.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides selections from the work on a Spanish monk who lived during the Counter-Reformation. His main insight is how suffering and trials can bring the soul nearer to God. As such, he is a comfort to Christians who are struggling or in difficulty. His poems are absolutely beautiful, and his commentary on them is very insightful.

[E.G. Moore]

I am reading something similar to this.. but not exactly this book. John of the cross is so spiritually deep and it is something I truely enjoy.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!

[Justin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a meaningless star rating. John's writings are hugely influential; this edition contains great introductions to his life and major writings, and the selections seem to give a pretty good idea of the whole. I mostly enjoyed his sternness with people who think they're spiritually enlightened. You're probably not, you see. You're probably an asshole, like the rest of us.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well edited selection of John of the Cross's writings, with excellent introductory notes. Of the four texts I found The Dark Night the most readable and useful. The Spiritual Canticle felt less helpful, and very repetitious. The Living Flame of Love was gorgeous.