Society of Saint John of the Cross

 

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Guidelines

  • Follow the example of the life and teaching of Saint John of the Cross.

  • Study the prose works of John of the Cross to gain an understanding of his system.

  • Read John's poetry frequently to connect with his mystical experiences of divine union.

  • Read from the works cited in the Recommended Reading section. The translation of John's works by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D. and Otilio Rodriguez, O.C.D., The Collected Works of John of the Cross (ICS Publications, 1991) comes highly recommended. For a clear and highly readable explanation of John's system, Leonard Doohan's book, The Contemporary Challenge of John of the Cross (ICS Publications, 1995) is excellent. Mirabai Starr's translation of John's Dark Night of the Soul (Riverhead Books, 2002) is absolutely beautiful.

  • Read daily from the Book of Psalms.

  • Live the radical gospel; practice radical discipleship; strive for radical humility.

  • Bring others to know John of the Cross.

  • Form a local prayer/study/support group to help and guide you on your journey to the full life of the spirit.

  • Letting God be who he wants to be for you, sit quietly in his presence for some time every day.

  • Stay close to the Vine and bear fruit!