Feast of St.John of the Cross Dec 14th

Onesimus

I have read both his works ''Dark night of the soul'' and ''Ascent of Mount Carmel''.

I guess what interests me most about St.John is his expression of Theology on prayer very much reflects that of us Greek Catholics in the east. For example in the east we stress the point of not imagining Christ in form or image in thoughts when praying as this is a form of idolatry and dangerous because the enemy can lead us astray this way. St.John of the Cross also talked about the exact same thing in his works.

Whereas western Theology and teaching on prayer like that of St.Ignatius of Loyola allows for use of the imagination of Jesus in prayer.

What do you think? whats your expression? Imagination or no imagination in prayer? and also is there anyone here with a prayer to St.John for his feast day? perhaps I should go fish one out when I have the time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvKzLCYrEfE

lmaopml

St. John of the Cross is one of my favourite Saints. The 'Dark Night of the Soul' really spoke to me at one time - He had a way of expressing himself and deep understanding of theology and philosophy - beautiful, talented. Contemplation doesn't necessesitate being alone to receive joy and pray alone always, or picture anything or not picture anything - I think he has been greatly misunderstood at times.

He is a Saint in the Western Church Oneismus - A person with a deep appreciation of the Holy Spirit and prayer, and also a person who lived in the real world with a deep knowledge of the spirit within, and the charity that flows from the heart in that knowledge...That was his contemplation in prayer.

A true Saint.

Onesimus

lmaopml wrote: »

St. John of the Cross is one of my favourite Saints. The 'Dark Night of the Soul' really spoke to me at one time - He had a way of expressing himself and deep understanding of theology and philosophy - beautiful, talented. Contemplation doesn't necessesitate being alone to receive joy and pray alone always, or picture anything or not picture anything - I think he has been greatly misunderstood at times.

He is a Saint in the Western Church Oneismus - A person with a deep appreciation of the Holy Spirit and prayer, and also a person who lived in the real world with a deep knowledge of the spirit within, and the charity that flows from the heart in that knowledge...That was his contemplation in prayer.

A true Saint.

he is a Saint in the Eastern Church too and all of us who are in communion with Rome ( remember we are all Catholic ) pray to him. Some people find it hard to understand his works mainly because they find the archaic English language used to be an obstacle too hard to bear and I do too at times but I think once we can get over that his works make for a great read.

Like I said his expression of Theology in prayer though very much reflected that of the East. Would be an interesting discussion on his feast day today upon the two expressions of Theology on prayer regarding images in prayer, to use them or not to use them?

In his book the spiritual exercises, St.Ignatius ( Unlike St.John of the Cross and us of the east ) uses imaginings and it's wonderful to see that many who have done retreats on his book and put it into practice have benefited greatly from it.

I also find it strange to see people who have put the eastern thought into the practice of their prayer and benefited too. Strange isnt it?:D

im invisible

he inspired one of my favourite paintings, thats all i know

Onesimus

im invisible wrote: »

he inspired one of my favourite paintings, thats all i know

Thanks Invisible man, I really enjoyed that painting.

lmaopml

Onesimus wrote: »

he is a Saint in the Eastern Church too and all of us who are in communion with Rome ( remember we are all Catholic ) pray to him. Some people find it hard to understand his works mainly because they find the archaic English language used to be an obstacle too hard to bear and I do too at times but I think once we can get over that his works make for a great read.

Like I said his expression of Theology in prayer though very much reflected that of the East. Would be an interesting discussion on his feast day today upon the two expressions of Theology on prayer regarding images in prayer, to use them or not to use them?

In his book the spiritual exercises, St.Ignatius ( Unlike St.John of the Cross and us of the east ) uses imaginings and it's wonderful to see that many who have done retreats on his book and put it into practice have benefited greatly from it.

I also find it strange to see people who have put the eastern thought into the practice of their prayer and benefited too. Strange isnt it?:D

Lol, yep - there are strange things happening every day Oneismus, it's just we don't realise that others are in fellowship. St. John of the Cross is absolutely worth a read, and will speak to many for generations imo despite the language. I really like him.