Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. John of the Cross

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Catholic Saints, produced by the Augustine Institute, hosts Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Scott Heffelfinger delve into the profound life and spirituality of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591). Recognized as both a saint and a Doctor of the Church, St. John of the Cross is celebrated for his deep mystical teachings and his pivotal role in reforming the Carmelite order alongside St. Teresa of Avila. The episode aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to Christian spirituality and their relevance in contemporary faith practice.

Biographical Insights

Dr. Ben Akers opens the discussion by highlighting St. John of the Cross's significant roles and his close friendship with St. Teresa of Avila. He mentions, "St. John on the cross ... is not only a saint of the Church and reformer of the Carmelite order for the male branch, but also a doctor of the Church" (00:13). Dr. Scott Heffelfinger shares his initial apprehensions about St. John of the Cross's austere spirituality, citing a passage from The Ascent of Mount Carmel:

"Endeavor to be inclined always, not to the easiest, but to the most difficult, not to the most delightful, but to the most distasteful, not to the most gratifying, but to the less pleasant, not to what means rest for you, but to hard work" (01:32).

This quote underscores the demanding nature of St. John’s spiritual teachings, emphasizing a life of discipline and self-denial.

Spirituality and Teachings

The conversation delves into St. John of the Cross’s mystical approach to Christian life, particularly his concepts of the "dark night of the soul" and the interior journey towards union with God. Dr. Heffelfinger explains that while St. John’s works can initially seem daunting, they are fundamentally about devotion and love for Jesus Christ:

"If we say that God claims the whole of our being, all of our heart, then we have to have a kind of preference, a strong preference for Him over any of these easy things, any of these delightful things" (03:49).

Dr. Akers relates his personal pilgrimage to Spain, where he explored sites significant to St. John of the Cross, highlighting the enduring impact of St. John’s life choices and sacrifices on his spiritual writings.

Overcoming Misconceptions

Addressing common skepticism, particularly regarding St. John of the Cross’s extensive use of marital imagery despite his celibate life, Dr. Heffelfinger clarifies that this focus stems from a profound understanding of love as the foundational element of both marriage and the spiritual life. He articulates:

"St. John of the Cross teaches that we are made for love. And marriage is that specific friendship, that specific relationship that asks everything of us ... there is a similar parallel in the spiritual life for these celibate doctors of the church" (10:35).

This comparison bridges the gap between human relationships and the divine relationship with God, illustrating how the virtues of marriage inform spiritual practices.

Influences and Legacy

The episode also touches upon the influence of St. John of the Cross on later figures, notably St. John Paul II. Dr. Heffelfinger notes that St. John Paul II wrote his dissertation on St. John of the Cross's concept of faith and admired his works deeply, even learning Spanish to engage with his writings in the original language. This admiration is further exemplified by St. John Paul II’s decision to leave his celebratory chalice in Spain as a tribute to St. John of the Cross (07:10).

Key Themes and Imagery

Dr. Heffelfinger introduces one of St. John of the Cross's most enduring images: light shining through a smudged window. This metaphor represents God’s grace entering the soul, with sin portrayed as the "smudges" that obscure divine light. He explains:

"It's in the proximity of that great light that we sometimes encounter these new and maybe smaller but still significant smudges" (12:22).

Another powerful image discussed is the bird bound by a chain, symbolizing the soul's attachments that prevent true spiritual freedom. This imagery emphasizes the constant need for purification and detachment from worldly ties to achieve union with God.

Dr. Akers adds the image of fire, representing God's transformative love:

"Fire turns other things into fire, into itself. And that's the image of God's love. God wants to turn us into himself" (17:07).

These metaphors collectively illustrate the dynamic and ongoing process of spiritual growth and sanctification.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reinforcing the significance of St. John of the Cross’s teachings in understanding and deepening one's spiritual life. Dr. Heffelfinger underscores the balance between recognizing personal shortcomings and embracing the transformative power of divine grace. The hosts express gratitude to listeners and supporters, reiterating the Augustine Institute’s mission to spread the Gospel's truth and beauty through such insightful discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Ben Akers (00:13): "St. John on the cross ... is not only a saint of the Church and reformer of the Carmelite order for the male branch, but also a doctor of the Church."

• Dr. Scott Heffelfinger (01:32): "Endeavor to be inclined always, not to the easiest, but to the most difficult..."

• Dr. Scott Heffelfinger (03:49): "If we say that God claims the whole of our being, all of our heart, then we have to have a kind of preference..."

• Dr. Scott Heffelfinger (10:35): "St. John of the Cross teaches that we are made for love..."

• Dr. Scott Heffelfinger (12:22): "It's in the proximity of that great light that we sometimes encounter these new and maybe smaller but still significant smudges."

• Dr. Ben Akers (17:07): "Fire turns other things into fire, into itself. And that's the image of God's love."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Catholic Saints offers a profound exploration of St. John of the Cross's life and teachings, making complex mystical concepts accessible and relevant. Through thoughtful dialogue and illustrative imagery, Dr. Akers and Dr. Heffelfinger provide listeners with valuable insights into pursuing a life of deeper spiritual union with God, inspired by one of the Church's most revered saints.