In Review| Dark Night of the Soul

DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL | St. John of the Cross

Reviewed by Zachary S.  Robinson

"Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it." - St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross, born Gonzalo de Yepes in 1542, was a Carmelite theologian and poet well known not only for his asceticism but for embracing the fullness of Catholic mysticism. 

Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross begins with a poetic journey that embraces the mystery of God and the  human desire to know Him. The soul is reflected in the stanzas of the poem as the vehicle that transcends the world within our understanding drawing us closer to a more perfect  communion with God.  

At the center of Dark Night of the Soul is an intimate record of spiritual illumination explored through the poetry of St.John of the Cross as the initial presentation  to the reader. The poetry of St.John of the Cross enhances the spiritual context, enriching the readers experience and provides an exemplary work of Catholic mysticism.  The poem  builds line by line upon the spiritual and the sensual as the soul transcends the boundaries of both self and the limits of human understanding . St. John of the Cross asserts that through the trials encountered  within the profound darkness present in the nature of the human condition we are drawn ever closer to union with God. 

The poetry of Dark Night of the Soul then transitions in to a self reflective treastie  intended to provide a clearer understanding of the spiritual practice in relation to a contemplative life.  St.John of the Cross then carefully discerns each line and stanza of his poem and in doing so provides an in-depth practicum as to guide the contemplative novice or spiritually inclined. 

Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross is a great work of poetic literature that provides a deeper understating of the contemplative life in the ordinary.  Through the words of St. John of the Cross we are invited to look deeper into our own spiritual being and know that in our own journey someway we to may pass through the dark night.  This work is a moving and intimate reflection of Catholic mysticism that surely will provide to its reader a greater appreciation for the spiritual graces imparted to us by God. 

Reference

Corbishley,T., and J. E. Biechler. "Mysticism." New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., vol. 10, Gale, 2003, pp. 111-117. Gale Virtual Reference Library, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3407707848/GVRL?u=23009&sid=GVRL&xid=78f7adf5. 

Francisco de Zurbaran, "St. John of the Cross",oil on canvass,1656, www.muzeum.archidiecezja.katowice.pl.

Kavanaugh, K. "John of the Cross, St." New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., vol. 7, Gale, 2003, pp. 986-989. Gale Virtual Reference Library, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3407706034/GVRL?u=23009&sid=GVRL&xid=7d49c158.