John of the Cross: spiritual writings

Doctor of the Church, John of the Cross is one of the greatest spiritual writers of all time . Jill Bevilacqua brings us excerpts from the writings of this Carmelite mystic, poet and shares with us some background information, in a programme produced by Sean Patrick Lovett :
" ...During the long, scorching Spanish summer of 1577 John was in prison . And it was here that he came to know the reality of the Cross . He was imprisoned in a a cell ten feet by six , which was lit only by a hole high in the wall . And yet here, as he himself said , there came to him through the suffering pure mystical poetry .."
"...With the grace of God , comments John of the Cross, those who are drawn to contemplation may experience the presence of God in a way comparable to that which we enjoy when our friends meet us."
"But before reaching such a point the soul has to go through what is usually described as a dark night in which we must surrender all our senses . This is followed by yet another darker night in which we have to abandon our own way of thinking and willing , throwing overboard all familiar supports. "
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