John of the Cross

This unique book is written as if John of the Cross is speaking directly to the reader. It is a presentation by John of the Cross of seven sessions to a reader who has expressed interest in John's life and teachings. This book introduces the great mystic and his teachings to his reader and to all individuals who yearn for a deeper commitment in their spiritual lives and consider that John could be the person who can guide them. The seven sessions focus on the following: 1. John's life as a contemporary life not unlike what many seekers have to face today. No matter the difficulties John faced, he kept his focus on the call of God, and suggests the reader must do the same. 2. John as a spiritual guide, highlighting the ways he guided people in his own day, continues to do so today, and is willing to do so for the reader. 3. John's vision of the spiritual life which he offers to the reader as a full-package deal, urging the reader to accept the whole system and not just dabble with parts of it. 4. John suggest to his reader a series of preparations for the spiritual journey, suggesting four key ideas. 5. John singles out six important moments in the spiritual journey and how his reader ought to respond to these important turning points. 6. John selects seven important attitudes that his reader will need during the journey. 7. In a final session, John of the Cross urges the reader to keep his or her eye on the goal and end of the journey, suggests helpful ways of getting there, and stresses the value of celebrating the achievements of the journey.