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The Society of Saint John of the Cross is an interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to following the example of the life and teaching of the sixteenth century Spanish mystic, John of the Cross. John's example shows us that it is possible to be very much "of the kingdom," very much in union with God, while at the same time practicing a radical discipleship in the world. The Society of Saint John of the Cross is based on the following principles: (sources for the below are: Leonard Doohan/Ernest Larkin, O.Carm./Thomas Dubay, S.M./Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
The need to grow in the acceptance of our baptismal possibilities, knowing that we are divinely chosen, personally loved, and called by name into union with God. The realization that the universal call to the full life of the spirit involves both a journey of faith and a journey of love. It is through these two journeys that we obtain the ultimate goal of the spiritual life---union with God in himself. This union with God in himself calls us to integrate every aspect and dimension of our lives in one great thrust of self-dedication to the Lord. This journey back to God, driven by a single-minded, single hearted, "choice love" for God, leads us through the purifying dark nights, not only to divine union, but also to personal renewal and perfect freedom. To accept a reduced ideal of our call to union is to remain stunted in our spiritual growth. Recognizing the importance of letting God be who he wants to be for us, instead of who we want him to be for us, the challenge for us today, is to leave as quickly as possible our state of spiritual infancy and move on to the full life of the spirit, which is contemplation and divine union. Our vocation to the delight of intimacy with the Mystery is the basis of everything we do. The need to take seriously the message of our baptism, understanding and accepting the fact that going forth to bear fruit is the natural result of having been chosen. The spiritual image of the vine and the branches comes alive to us only when the contemplative presence overflows into action. While our hearts abide in love and remain united to the vine, we realize at the same time that we are called to bear fruit, to move our heart from its "dwelling stance" into service to others. - The need to be serious about our spiritual journey and the belief that we are called to a radical discipleship and a radical humility. In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer:
"We have watered down the gospel into emotional uplift which makes no costly demands and which fails to distinguish between natural and Christian existence. The disciple is a disciple only in so far as he shares his Lord's suffering, rejection and crucifixion. If we refuse to deny ourselves and take up our cross, we forfeit our fellowship with Christ and have ceased to follow him. We can of course shake off this burden which is laid upon us, but only find that we have a still heavier burden to carry---a yoke of our own choosing, the yoke of self. But Jesus invites all who travail and are heavy laden to throw off their own yoke and take his yoke upon them---and his yoke is easy, and his burden is light.
The yoke and the burden of Christ are his cross. To go one's way under the sign of the cross is not misery and desperation, but peace and refreshment for the soul; it is the highest joy. Then we do not walk under our self-made laws and burdens, but under the yoke of him who knows us and who walks under the yoke with us. Under his yoke we are certain of his nearness and communion. It is he whom the disciple finds as he lifts up his cross---a cross which is our triumph over suffering and death."
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