St. Juan de la Cruz and the Soul

St. Juan de la Cruz was a renowned philosopher, mystic, and theologian of the sixteenth century. He wrote many philosophical works, including the journey of the soul toward enlightenment.
Theologians and philosophers continue to study the works of St. Juan de la Cruz, especially his philosophy on mystical union with God.

St. Juan de la Cruz Teachings:

"The soul which God is about to lead onward is not led by His Majesty into this night of the spirit as soon as it goes forth from the aridities and trials of the first purgation and night of sense; rather, it is wont to pass a long time, even years, after leaving the state of beginners in exercising itself in that of proficients ..." ." From Night of the Spirit

"... strips [the soul's] faculties ... leaving the understanding dark, the will dry, the memory empty, and the affections in the deepest affliction, taking from the soul the pleasure and experience of spiritual blessings which it had aforetime, in order to make of this privation one of the principles which are requisite in the spirit so that there may be introduced to it and united with it the spiritual form which is the
union of love." From Night of the Spirit

Understanding St. Juan de la Cruz

St. Juan de la Cruz is often difficult to understand for many people. His writings need to be studied piece by piece and meditated upon to interpret the true meaning St. Juan de la Cruz is trying to present. Many people, who read his works, trying to gain enlightenment for their souls, wear a St. Juan de la Cruz medal or a St. Juan de la Cruz necklace hoping to gain inspiration and knowledge from this mystical saint.

Those who pray to St. Juan de la Cruz hope to gain an understanding of how to break away from their human limitations and find a spiritual union with the love of God.