The Unbelievable Story of St. John of the Cross (Fr. Michael-Joseph)

Summary

This video delves into the life of St. John of the Cross, exploring his humble beginnings, his dedication to spiritual union with God, and his role in the reform of the Carmelite order alongside St. Teresa of Ávila. Born into poverty, John faced tremendous hardship, including a brutal nine-month imprisonment, which became a transformative experience leading to his writings like the 'Spiritual Canticle'. The video also touches on the unique charisms of various religious orders and John's eventual escape from prison, showcasing his resilience and devotion to his faith despite immense adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 St. John of the Cross grew up in poverty, unlike St. Teresa who came from wealth, which shaped his humble beginnings.
• 😀 His father, a member of the higher class, married his mother, a servant girl, which led to his disownment by his family.
• 😀 John had early exposure to human fragility, working in a hospital for syphilis patients, which deepened his understanding of suffering.
• 😀 Despite being offered prestigious positions like chaplain, John chose the Carthusian order initially but ultimately joined the Carmelites at St. Teresa's urging.
• 😀 St. Teresa of Avila and St. John worked together to reform the Carmelite order, with John overseeing the male branch, despite opposition from the General of the Carmelites.
• 😀 The dispute over jurisdiction and the rapid growth of new Carmelite convents caused significant tension within the order.
• 😀 John was arrested by his own order for disobedience and was held in a small, squalid cell in Toledo for nine months.
• 😀 During his imprisonment, John endured severe physical and emotional suffering but used the time for spiritual reflection and writing, including his famous 'Spiritual Canticle.'
• 😀 Despite the harsh conditions, including lack of food and personal care, John maintained his loyalty to St. Teresa and the Carmelite reform.
• 😀 John eventually escaped his cell with divine help, landing in a convent of nuns where he was nursed back to health before returning to the Carmelite community after things calmed down.

Q & A

What was the main difference between St. John of the Cross's upbringing and St. Teresa's?

St. John of the Cross grew up in poverty after his father was disowned by his wealthy family for marrying a servant. In contrast, St. Teresa came from a wealthy and socially prominent family, which significantly shaped their different paths and experiences.

Why did St. John's father face disownment, and how did it impact the family?

St. John's father was disowned because he married a woman of lower social class—his mother was a servant. This led to a significant loss of family wealth and status, forcing the family into poverty, which deeply influenced John's later spiritual journey.

How did St. John of the Cross's early life experiences shape his perspective on human suffering?

Growing up in poverty and witnessing the harsh realities of life, including his time working in a syphilis hospital, St. John became deeply attuned to human fragility and suffering. These experiences influenced his spiritual writings, focusing on the suffering and purification necessary for union with God.

Why did St. John choose to become a Carthusian monk initially, and how did this decision change?

St. John initially wanted to join the Carthusians, who were known for their strict monastic life, in order to pursue a deeper connection with God. However, he changed his mind after meeting St. Teresa, who encouraged him to stay with the Carmelite order and help with her reform efforts.

What role did St. John of the Cross play in the reform of the Carmelite order?

St. John was instrumental in the reform of the Carmelite order, especially in establishing the male branch of the Discalced Carmelites. He worked alongside St. Teresa to promote a more rigorous, contemplative lifestyle that emphasized union with God.

What was the conflict surrounding the founding of new Carmelite convents and friaries?

There was a conflict over the establishment of new Carmelite convents and friaries, particularly between the general of the order and powerful figures like the King, who supported further foundations. This led to disagreements over jurisdiction, and St. John found himself caught in the middle of this tension.

How did St. John of the Cross end up imprisoned by his own order?

St. John was imprisoned by his own order for disobedience after the new convents were established against the general's wishes. He refused to give in to pressure and remained loyal to St. Teresa’s vision for reform.

What were the conditions like during St. John of the Cross’s imprisonment, and how did he cope?

St. John was held in a cramped, unsanitary cell meant for a bathroom, where he endured physical suffering, including malnutrition and a lack of hygiene. Despite these harsh conditions, he found solace in his spiritual life, writing poetry like the 'Spiritual Canticle' from memory.

How did St. John of the Cross escape from imprisonment?

St. John of the Cross escaped after nine months by using his resourcefulness and faith. Allegedly, Our Lady appeared to him and showed him a way out. After managing to break free, he climbed out of the window and, in a series of fortunate events, found himself in the courtyard of a convent of nuns where he was eventually helped.

What was the significance of the poem 'Spiritual Canticle' in St. John’s life?

'Spiritual Canticle' was a significant work written by St. John during his time in prison. It reflects deep spiritual longing and the experience of divine love, and it’s often seen as an expression of his inner transformation during his suffering.