Homily Feast of St. John of the Cross (Romantic Poet)
Homily Feast of St. John of the Cross (Romantic Poet)
“How gently and lovingly
You wake in my heart,
Where in secret you dwell alone;
And in your sweet breathing,
Filled with good and glory,
How tenderly you swell my heart with love!”
These are words from one of the greatest romantic poets in the Spanish language. It might surprise us to know these are the words of John of the Cross. He writes passionately about his love for God.
We might think that these words could not be written by a celibate. But what is even more fascinating is that John wrote these words despite a very trying life. He was often the object of others hate rather than their love.
John lived in the 16th century. He grew up in a poor family and tried to make his way as a tradesman. He was not good at whatever craft he tried. He eventually ended up as a nurse in a hospital. He was a compassionate and caring nurse. The administrator of the hospital sent him to the seminary in hopes he would come back as a priest chaplain, but he joined the Carmelites instead. He became a reformer in the order as he allied himself with Teresa of Avila.
The reform was met with hostility. John’s desire to have his brothers live a more austere life was popular among many, but those in charge saw him as a threat. He started the discalced Carmelites or shoeless Carmelites. He was arrested by those in charge of the order. The superiors beat him and imprisoned him in complete darkness for months on end in a small, dank room. While he was being mistreated, ironically, he wrote some of his greatest love poetry.
He finally escaped and went on with his reform only to be exiled at the end of his life by his brothers. He died neglected and alone. He was a threat to the established order. But he is known as one of the greatest mystical theologians.
Reflection Questions:
- Why is it that those who seem like they are most persecuted can write about their love of God so eloquently? Do I feel God’s love in time of trial?
- Jesus preached a message of love and peace. How were St. John’s life and Jesus’ life similar?
Dear Parishioners,
St. John of the Cross’s spirituality was known as an apophatic spirituality. He felt that the way to approach God was by stripping distractions out of our life. He felt that “things” got in the way of connecting to God.
During this time of the year when we usually have so many amusements and our senses are overwhelmed it is hard to keep in God front and center. This year we have been forced to slow down. We can look at this as a burden or an opportunity.
St. John’s Theology can be a threat to us, or it can be a refreshing approach to life. How can we simplify things the rest of Advent? Maybe that is a question to ponder.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark