John of the Cross - A 6-Fold Journey into Divine Union

Philippians 2:5-8

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross.  

 

Christ on the Cross (Rembrandt, oil on canvas. 1631)

1. (Initial Conversion) - St. John presumed that a Christian has already entered this stage

• Turns away from a life of sin
• Embraces Baptism and its effects
• Begins to walk with God

2. Active Night of the Senses

• Intentional letting go of all worldly attachments to sin
• Refocused desire: all within my passions and appetites are turned to God and His holy will

3. Passive Night of the Senses

• Special grace from God that completes the purge of senses from Step 2 ("purgative contemplation")
• No longer finding earthly joy and satisfaction in the things of this world
• Painful, but the pain helps to focus on God
• Awareness of the spiritual form of the Seven Capital Sins
• Serving God because of love alone, not because it "feels good"

4. Active Night of the Spirit

• Proficient in the spiritual life: a) stability, b) contemplative prayer, c) zeal for God
• Growth in virtue and holiness, while sensing God wants more
• Allows God to infuse the pure gifts of the 3 Theological Virtues: a) faith, b) hope, and c) love
• Letting go: 
• a) My previous ideas of God, 
• b) My own preferences for my future
• c) Selfish convictions about God's will
• My intellect has faith in a more general and obscure way
• Waiting upon the moment-by-moment gentle guidance of God

5. Passive Night of the Spirit

• By God's action, my soul enters a "spiritual cocoon" where my intellect, memory, and will are completely transformed
• Deep spiritual "piercings" of love
• My soul is left humbled, impoverished, and empty of all things
• My soul is hidden from enemies: the world, the devil, and the flesh. Unhindered. Free.
• Spiritual strength and fortitude. Cling to God with unshakeable fervor
• Hidden and secret depth of love and strength

6. Divine Union

• Earthly perfection 
• Every desire and appetite for sin is vanquished
• Every desire for things of this world have been removed
• Intellect, memory, and will are directed to God in a pure and infused way
• Delights in all things as God delights in them
• Gratitude floods my soul and virtue is alive and manifest
• My soul and God are one, awaiting the Beatific Vision of God in Heaven

From My Catholic Life

"Introduction - Outline of St. John's Teachings"

The Mystical Journey to Divine Union: Spiritual Wisdom from St. John of the Cross