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St. John of the Cross with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Beginning to Pray Special
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the lives and spiritual collaboration of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. St. John initially felt called to the contemplative Carthusian life but was profoundly influenced by St. Teresa, who encouraged him to join her in reforming the Carmelite Order. This reform emphasized mental prayer and community-focused contemplation as essential for personal holiness and the renewal of the Church. Despite their contrasting personalities—St. Teresa being a dynamic and joyful leader, and St. John a contemplative theologian—they shared a deep spiritual connection. Their collaboration enriched the Carmelite charism, providing a model of complementarity and mutual respect in the pursuit of holiness.
There were many challenges St. John of the Cross faced, including misunderstandings and exile, yet his writings, such as The Living Flame of Love, reveal his profound hope and love for God, even in suffering and death. There is an enduring relevance of their spiritual teachings, which encourage intimacy with Christ and fidelity to one’s vocation.
t. Teresa and St. John’s legacy, rooted in prayer and theological depth, continues to inspire those seeking a deeper union with God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
- The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth: How does the emphasis on community life in the Carmelite reform challenge or deepen your understanding of supporting others in their spiritual journey?
- Balancing Contemplation and Action: How can you integrate the Carmelite focus on mental prayer with the Jesuit call to active service in your daily life?
- Responding to Misunderstanding and Suffering: What can St. John of the Cross teach you about trusting God amid misunderstandings, rejection, or personal struggles?
- Spiritual Direction and Obedience: How does the relationship between St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross inspire your approach to spiritual mentorship or being mentored?
- The Complementarity of Vocations: In what ways can you appreciate and support the diversity of vocations and spiritual charisms within the Church?
- The Gift of Hope in Prayer: How does St. John of the Cross’s hope and longing for God in his final days encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith journey?
- Relevance of Mental Prayer Today: How can the Carmelite emphasis on deep intimacy with God through prayer be incorporated into the modern challenges of your life?
For The Ascent of Mt. Carmel Audio Book visit this Discerning Hearts page
For commentary on various sections of The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by Dr. Lilles’ visit this Discerning Hearts page
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.
