John of the Cross
1542–1591 · Spain
- First attested
- 1591Poetic works and commentaries; first published in Alcalá, 1618.
Periods of profound spiritual desolation and emptiness are often the necessary preparation for deeper union.
Spanish mystic, Discalced Carmelite reformer, poet, and Doctor of the Church. Imprisoned in Toledo by monastic opponents in 1577, he composed mystical poetry that formed the foundation for his treatises The Dark Night of the Soul, Ascent of Mount Carmel, and The Living Flame of Love.
Light
Profound courage during spiritual crisis, transcendence of shallow consolations, and unconditional love.
Shadow
Despair during dark night periods; pathologizing natural human feelings as spiritual failure.