Catholica Commentary by John Chuchman: The Poetry of St. John of the Cross

The Poetry of St. John of the Cross by John Chuchman

Does everybody search for a better prayer life? John Chuchman has been boning up on a bit of advice from St John of the Cross. Are we forever "in process" to a better state of contemplation?

In search of a better state of contemplation...

St John of the Cross
The Poetry of St. John of the Cross

offers me three signs
that I might be ready
to taste some of the richness
and reach some of the depths and heights
of Contemplative Prayer.

He asks
if I have I stopped receiving satisfaction
from discursive prayer and meditation,
practiced for so much of my life.

He asks
if I have become less and less inclined
to fix my imagination and senses
on any particular object,
internal or external.

He asks
if I am content
to simply remain in
the loving awareness of God
without any particular knowledge
or understanding.

All these signs are so counter-institutional.
All these signs are so counter-intellectual.
All these signs are so un-measureable.

He asks . . .

and my answer is . . .

. . . in process.

Love, John Chuchman

This reflection is also published on John Chuchman's blog.

IMAGE CREDIT:
The headline image used to support today's reflection has been sourced from: www.freeimages.co.uk, and the image of St John of the Cross has been sourced from: www.carmelite.org.

NEW RELEASE:

John's latest book, I AM because LOVE IS: God as VERB, is now available in paperback from Amazon. Click the image for more information. Kindle edition now available HERE.

John Chuchman

John Chuchman is a bereavement counsellor. He is a graduate of John Carroll University and former Ford Motor Company executive (1959-1992). He has been a Hospice volunteer since 1990. John has received Pastoral Bereavement Counselor certification and a Certificate in Spirituality (Kino Institute of Phoenix, Arizona.) In 2000, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. His website provides information about his regular retreats and information about his books. he also writes a "Poetman" blog which you can find on the website or via this link: [Visit John's blog] | [Visit John's website]

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[Index of Commentaries by John Chuchman]

Michael Morwood: "The Challenge in Resurrecting Jesus in Society Today" In this address given to WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) members on 26th March 2013, Michael Morwood outlines the challenges he sees the Church facing in the years ahead. This address was given in the theatrette of the NSW Parliament at a meeting to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. 33m 34s [Commentary on the Catholica where this address was published on 29Mar2013] | [WATCH THE VIDEO]

Reports 028: 29Mar2013

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