Dark Night of the Soul: Exploring the Wisdom of St. John of the Cross

Delve into the profound insights of one of the most celebrated mystics and spiritual poets, St. John of the Cross, as we explore the timeless themes of his most famous poem: "The Dark Night of the Soul."Show more

In this video, we unravel the metaphorical "dark night" that is an inherent part of every spiritual journey. We will also explore the deeper meaning of the dark night beyond purification, recognizing it as a prelude to a more profound relationship with the Divine.

This video is not just an exploration of a classic poem; it's an invitation to reflect on your own spiritual journey, to embrace the challenges, and to recognize the profound truth that lies within the dark night of the soul.

Subscribe, like, and share to join a community of seekers on this meaningful journey towards divine union.

#soul #poetry #spirituality

Chapters:

0:00 – Poem Reading
4:05 – Dark Nights in Modern Times
6:26– The Dark Night of Our Lives
10:57 – The Path of Purification
14:57 – The Ultimate Goal: Divine Union
19:13 – Entering the Kingdom of God

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This video is dedicated to God. May the Divine light, love, and wisdom continue to guide us all back Home.

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On a darkened night,
Anxious, by love inflamed,
-- O happy chance! --
Unnoticed, I took flight,
My house at last at peace and quiet.

Safe, disguised by the night,
By the secret ladder I took flight,
-- O happy chance! --
Cloaked by darkness, I scaled the height,
My house at last at peace and quiet.

On that blessed night,
In secret, and seen by none,
None in sight,
I saw with no other guide or light,
But the one burning in my heart bright.

This guide, this light,
Brighter than the midday sun,
Led me to the waiting One
I knew so well -- my delight!
To a place with none in sight.

O night! O guide!
O night more loving than the dawn!
O night that joined
The lover with the Beloved;
Transformed, the lover into the Beloved drawn!

Upon my flowered breast,
For him alone kept fair,
There he slept,
There I caressed,
There the cedars gave us air.

I drank the turret's cool air,
Spreading playfully his hair.
And his hand, so serene,
Cut my throat. Drained
Of senses, I dropped unaware.

Lost to myself and yet remaining,
Inclined so only the Beloved I spy.
All has ceased, all rests,
Even my cares, even I;
Lost among the lilies, there I die.

~ St. John of the Cross (English version by Ivan M. Granger)

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St. John of the Cross, born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez on June 24, 1542, in Fontiveros, Spain, was a mystic, poet, and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. He is best known for his contributions to Spanish mysticism and his profound spiritual writings. John's early life was marked by hardship, as he lost his father at a young age, and his family faced financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, he entered the Carmelite Order in 1563, adopting the name "John of the Cross."

As a friar, John became associated with St. Teresa of Ávila, another renowned mystic, and together they worked to reform the Carmelite Order. They sought a return to the order's original contemplative and austere values, establishing the Discalced Carmelites. John, deeply committed to a life of prayer and solitude, exemplified the ascetic ideals of the movement.

John of the Cross's spiritual journey is encapsulated in his writings, particularly in works like "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and "The Dark Night of the Soul." These texts explore the soul's mystical union with God, emphasizing purification and the journey towards divine love. His poetry, including the famous "Dark Night" poems, expresses the soul's longing for God amid the challenges of life.

However, his efforts to reform the Carmelites led to opposition from within the order, resulting in his imprisonment for about eight months. Despite the hardships, John continued to compose spiritual masterpieces during his confinement. He was eventually released, and his teachings continued to influence generations of spiritual seekers.

St. John of the Cross was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726, and he was later declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926. His enduring legacy lies not only in his mystical writings but also in his profound impact on Christian spirituality, making him a revered figure in the history of Catholic mysticism.