Climbing Mount Carmel with Saint John of the Cross:
Steps Toward Union with God
There are mountains every pilgrim must climb, both seen and unseen. For the Catholic faithful yearning to deepen their communion with God, few spiritual guides stand as tall as Saint John of the Cross. His mystical journey up the symbolic Mount Carmel is more than a poetic image—it is a roadmap for every soul desiring true transformation in Christ. At Journeys of Faith, where our mission is to set hearts ablaze with apostolic zeal, stories of saints like Saint John are more than history—they beckon us to begin again, no matter where we find ourselves on the path.
Saint John of the Cross, Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church, knew firsthand the darkness and light of the spiritual ascent. Answering God’s call cost him every comfort and yet delivered him to unspeakable union with his Creator. His “Ascent of Mount Carmel” remains an enduring masterpiece of Catholic doctrine, illuminating the steps, stumbles, and victories along the soul’s climb toward God.
In this article, we invite you—pilgrims, seekers, and lovers of the Eucharist—to embark with us on this climb. Let the wisdom of Saint John guide your feet, renew your mind, and inflame your heart. This is not theory or abstract mysticism; it is living faith in action, the same faith that sustained our founders, Bob and Penny Lord, through trial and triumph. The mountain is before us. Together, with one heart, one mind, one spirit, and one vision, we begin the ascent.
The Life and Mission of Saint John of the Cross
Saint John of the Cross stands as one of the Church’s luminous saints, his path marked by an unwavering pursuit of God through suffering, mystical contemplation, and radical love. Born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez in 1542 in Fontiveros, Spain, he emerged from humble beginnings. Enduring poverty after his father’s death, John witnessed from a young age how adversity and faith could entwine, forging souls capable of remarkable sanctity.
Enamored with prayer and charity, John entered the Carmelite Order in his early twenties, seeking to consecrate his life to Christ. It was during this pivotal chapter that he encountered Saint Teresa of Ávila. Their friendship and collaboration would revolutionize not just the Carmelites, but Catholic spirituality itself. Together, they sought to return the Order to its foundations of silence, poverty, and commitment to contemplative prayer—a reformation that would come at a great personal cost.
Saint John’s commitment to authentic union with God was misunderstood by many, leading to persecution and even imprisonment by his own brethren. Imprisoned in a tiny, dark cell in Toledo, John experienced profound spiritual trials. Yet, it was precisely in this crucible of suffering that his greatest spiritual insights blossomed. From the shadows, he began penning verses and treatises that would illuminate the mystical journey toward divine union, with works such as The Dark Night of the Soul and The Ascent of Mount Carmel.
Saint John’s writings do not merely chart a path; they issue an invitation—a call to ascend, leaving behind earthly attachments in pursuit of perfect love. His poetry and prose, saturated with Scripture and the riches of Catholic doctrine, have become timeless guides for all who seek to rise, like Elijah on Mount Carmel, toward union with God. Anchored in humility and obedience, John’s life models a bold apostolic spirit for today’s faithful: holiness is possible, not in comfort, but through persevering love and surrender to the divine will.
Take Your Own Step Up the Mount: Journey With UsIf Saint John of the Cross’s mystical ascent has stirred your soul, now is the perfect moment to journey further. At Journeys of Faith, we invite you to make your pilgrimage—whether in person, online, or in the sanctuary of your heart—alongside a community devoted to drawing ever nearer to Christ.
Follow in the footsteps of the saints. Take your next step in faith with us at Journeys of Faith—where One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit beats with One Vision: leading souls to God. Saint John of The Cross Collection |
The Symbolism of Mount Carmel in Sacred Scripture
Mount Carmel rises from the Holy Land as a place of profound biblical significance, a landscape where the earthly and the divine appear to meet amidst rocky heights and windswept solitude. Throughout Scripture, its contours stand not simply as geographical markers but as powerful symbols of chosen encounters with God.
The Old Testament situates Mount Carmel as the exhilarating stage of the prophet Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-40). Here, the heart of Israel witnesses the living God’s triumph in a blaze of fire, reaffirming divine fidelity before the wavering people. Carmel’s summit thus becomes a perennial image of spiritual struggle—a dramatic battleground between false devotion and true worship.
Yet, Mount Carmel’s lushness and fertility also evoke the soul’s longing for spiritual abundance. In the Song of Songs, the beloved is compared to the splendor of Carmel (Song 7:5), echoing a vision of the soul adorned by grace and crowned in intimate union with God. The mountain’s natural beauty, with olive trees and fragrant blooms, calls forth desires for the flourishing that only divine presence can give.
For Saint John of the Cross, Mount Carmel is more than just a place—it is a path, the embodiment of the arduous ascent each soul must make in search of perfect union with God. Inspired by these scriptural echoes, he presents the mountain as both destination and journey, laden with biblical resonance and rich with allegorical depth. The climb requires not simply physical exertion, but the surrendering of attachments, the purifying fire of faith, and the persistent hope mirrored by Elijah himself.
Thus, Mount Carmel emerges from Scripture not just as a backdrop for miracles or poetic allusions, but as a tangible symbol of the spiritual journey—a call to ascend through prayer, self-denial, and trust, echoing the experiences of prophets and mystics who have gone before.
Understanding the Ascent: An Overview of John’s Mystical Map
Saint John of the Cross, one of the great doctors of the Church, offers a profound and challenging path for souls who long for union with God. His metaphor of Mount Carmel—central to his seminal works, The Ascent of Mount Carmel and The Dark Night of the Soul—serves as a mystical map, guiding the faithful through the rugged terrain of spiritual transformation.
At its foundation, this “ascent” is not simply a climb, but a stripping away. John teaches that to ascend the mountain and reach the summit—spiritual union with God—one must willingly detach from earthly desires, comforts, and even spiritual consolations. The journey, in John’s vision, moves through three pivotal phases: the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways.
1. Purification of the Senses and Spirit St. John insists that true advancement begins with purgation. This means actively renouncing attachments to possessions, honors, and pleasures that, while perhaps not sinful, impede total surrender to God’s will. The soul enters a kind of ‘dark night,’ where even the gratification found in prayer or good works is eclipsed to purify motives and deepen humility.
2. Illumination by Divine Light Passing through the night, the soul emerges into a phase of illumination. Here, God’s light reveals the soul’s own poverty while awakening an intense desire for Christ alone. The journey is less about human effort and more about receptivity—learning to trust God’s guidance even in spiritual obscurity.
3. Union with the Beloved Finally, the arduous climb culminates at the mountain’s peak: union with God. Here, the soul discovers its true home, resting in the presence of the Divine Beloved. The self is no longer the center; God reigns, suffusing every faculty with the fire of divine charity. This union—a mystical marriage—transforms the soul to become a living reflection of Christ.
Throughout this ascent, Saint John of the Cross reminds the faithful that suffering, trial, and detachment are not ends in themselves, but means to a love beyond reckoning. His mystical map continues to inspire pilgrims of every era to brave the climb, anchoring their hope not in fleeting things, but in the eternal embrace of God.
The Active Night of the Senses: Detachment for Beginners
Saint John of the Cross, the mystic Doctor of the Church, invites us on a path that feels at once demanding and beautiful—the "active night of the senses." This is the humble first foothold on Mount Carmel, the opening ascent for every soul desiring union with God.
In practical terms, the active night concerns itself with our everyday loves: habits, comforts, and attachments that, though not evil in themselves, quietly crowd our hearts. Saint John teaches that to climb higher toward God, we must begin freeing ourselves from the sway of these lesser affections. We learn, with patience and hope, to reorder our desires—not by rejecting the world, but by loving it rightly, always with our eyes fixed on Christ.
Detachment, in this tradition, isn’t about becoming numb or cold. It's about embracing discipline and trust, like a musician careful about background noise, so the pure melody of God can rise in our souls. It’s setting healthy boundaries with pleasures and distractions—food, entertainment, accolades—so they serve, rather than enslave, our deeper purpose.
This beginner’s night is often marked by small sacrifices: fasting from a favorite treat, turning away from idle gossip, choosing silence over constant music. It’s the slow work of letting our senses rest, not to punish ourselves, but to refocus our hearts on things eternal.
Saint John insists that spiritual progress requires active effort. He writes, “Endeavor to incline always not to the easiest, but to the most difficult… not to what is sweetest, but to what is most unpleasant.” This is not stoicism for its own sake, but a call to allow God greater room to move in our lives by surrendering the comfortable for the transformative.
The journey through the active night of the senses is challenging, yes, but profoundly liberating. It prepares us to recognize God's gentle whisper, training our souls to desire what truly matters—the love of Christ, burning brighter than every lesser light.
The Passive Night of Sense: God’s Loving Purification
Saint John of the Cross reveals that every journey up the figurative Mount Carmel must pass through what he calls the “Night of Sense,” a profound stage of spiritual purification. At this stage, God lovingly draws the soul away from childish pleasure in the senses and the visible—from consolations and emotional highs in prayer—to a deeper purification that prepares one for genuine union with Him. This is not a punishment. Rather, it’s a necessary act from the Divine Physician who seeks to strip away attachments, not to harm us, but to heal us.
In the “Passive Night,” souls don’t simply choose austerity or discipline by strength of their own willpower. Instead, God Himself orchestrates circumstances—dryness in prayer, absence of felt devotion, exterior hardships—that force the soul to realize its poverty and dependence. Suddenly, the joy once found in devotional practices feels distant. Our Lord seems hidden, and spiritual exercises become arid. Saint John insists: do not be afraid. This is not abandonment; it’s an invitation to radical trust.
The Passive Night of Sense is marked by silent refinement. God, in His mercy, detaches hearts from lesser loves so He can give Himself freely and totally. Without this purification, even sincere souls risk loving their own spiritual experiences more than God Himself. The soul must walk in darkness for a time, learning to love God for His own sake, not for what He gives.
Catholic doctrine reminds us this process echoes Christ’s own journey through Gethsemane and Calvary. As with all purification, it is suffused with hope, not despair. In this sacred night, our senses and emotions are re-ordered, hunger for the sacraments is awakened anew, and the soil of our hearts is made ready for the deeper union with God promised to all who persevere. Saint John’s wisdom, echoing through centuries, assures the Catholic faithful that this night is not the end, but the very gate to renewed spiritual intimacy.
Saint John of The Cross Collection
The Dark Night of the Spirit: Trial Toward Transforming Union
Saint John of the Cross, the great Carmelite mystic, unveils the profound reality of the soul’s journey through what he calls the "dark night of the spirit." This is not merely dryness or struggle in prayer—though those often accompany it—but a deep, interior purification allowed by God. For those seeking authentic union with God, the dark night stands as an inflection point, a spiritual "mountain pass" enshrouded in obscurity, where the soul surrenders all that is not of God.
During this stage, the faithful may experience an aching absence—God seems far, their efforts fruitless, and even former spiritual consolations are stripped away. Yet, as Saint John teaches, this emptiness is not abandonment. It is God’s loving work, purging attachments, quieting unruly passions, and detaching the soul from every clinging comfort. The intellect, previously bustling with ideas and images, is calmed; the memory, emptied of distractions; the will, purified in its desires. Through grace, the soul is "unclothed," made ready to receive the fullness of the Divine Life, which can only be poured into a vessel emptied of self.
It is a crucible—one that echoes Christ’s own cry from the Cross—where faith alone sustains. “God leads the soul through darkness,” writes Saint John, “so that in the absolute simplicity of faith, it may be united with Him.” Far from being a punishment, this passage is an act of Divine Mercy. When the night seems darkest, transforming union is nearest: God Himself becomes the light within, and the soul, now purified, is made one with the Infinite Love for which it was created.
The Church proclaims this as the way of the saints—a path traversed by Mary at the foot of the Cross, by apostles, and by all who have sought to live with “one heart, one mind, one spirit.” In this holy obscurity, the spiritual athlete discovers that surrender is not defeat, but the final victory of love.
Three Theological Virtues as Rungs of the Ladder
Saint John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church and spiritual mystic, guides us up the symbolic Mount Carmel by presenting the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—as rungs of the ladder that lead to union with God. Each virtue is more than a passive quality; each is an active ascent, demanding surrender and commitment.
Faith is the first rung. For Saint John, faith is not merely intellectual agreement, but a living trust that anchors the soul in darkness and mystery. He teaches that, as we scale the spiritual heights, faith asks us to step beyond our senses and understanding. The beauty of faith is that it flourishes even when the path is obscured, allowing us to believe when all else seems uncertain. As Saint John writes, “For faith tells us of things we have never seen or known, and therefore it is dark to the intellect.”
Hope forms the second rung. Hope, as described by Saint John, is not naïve optimism, but an unyielding confidence in God’s promises and eternal glory. The soul, filled with longing, stretches upward, believing that God desires our sanctification and ultimate happiness. Hope propels the journey onward, especially when discouragement threatens to pull us down. It is in hope that we abandon ourselves to God’s providence, trusting that the summit, however far, is attainable through grace.
Charity, or love, is the final and highest rung. Here, Saint John reveals a love that is both consuming and purifying—a participation in God’s own divine life. Charity transforms the soul, enabling it to love God above all things, not out of duty, but from a spirit of ardor and gratitude. This virtue is the goal of the spiritual journey, the embrace that unites our hearts with the heart of Christ. As he urges, “Where there is no love, put love—and you will draw love out.”
These three virtues are not just abstract ideals, but essential steps for anyone seeking deeper spiritual renewal. They are the trusted supports by which Catholic faithful can ascend, confident that the climb—guided by faith, hope, and charity—will lead to the luminous summit of union with God.
Prayer of Recollection and Silence: Practical Tips
Saint John of the Cross teaches us that authentic union with God begins in the depths of a silent, recollected heart. It is in these moments—with distractions surrendered and noise set aside—that we allow the Holy Spirit to speak in the quiet of our souls. Inspired by this Carmelite mystic, here are practical, Catholic steps to enter into the prayer of recollection and silence:
1. Prepare a Sacred Space Choose a spot free from distractions—a quiet corner, a prayer nook, or even a simple chair with a crucifix nearby. Light a candle or display a holy image to help focus your mind on God’s presence.
2. Begin with an Act of Faith Quietly invoke the Holy Spirit. Make a simple prayer, such as “Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart,” to invite God’s action and remind yourself of His nearness.
3. Center Yourself in God’s Presence Saint John calls us to close the senses to external things and enter, metaphorically, into the ‘inner cellar’ of the soul. Gently bring your thoughts back to God whenever they wander, without anxiety or frustration.
4. Use Scripture or Sacred Words Repeat a short phrase or verse—“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), or even the holy name of Jesus—to anchor your meditation and calm your mind.
5. Embrace Silence and Listen Let silence reign once your mind is quiet. It’s not about hearing words but about a loving attentiveness. Offer your heart to God and simply rest in His loving gaze.
6. Persevere Through Dryness Saint John assures us that spiritual dryness is not failure. Keep returning to prayer, trusting in God’s work even when you feel nothing. It is in persevering—especially when it is difficult—that the soul truly climbs the mountain toward union.
By weaving these steps into your daily routine, you can begin to walk the path Saint John describes: from the valley of distractions up Mount Carmel, toward the summit where the soul and God meet in love and spiritual renewal.
Saint John of The Cross Collection
The Role of the Eucharist in Mystical Ascent
For Saint John of the Cross, the journey up Mount Carmel is far more than an allegory—it is a living invitation to union with God, and the Eucharist stands at the very summit of this mystical ascent. In moments of spiritual dryness or darkness, the faithful are urged to contemplate Christ’s real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Here, poverty of spirit meets the infinite riches of divine love.
Saint John teaches that detachment from earthly things is not a retreat into emptiness but an opening of the soul to the fullness found in the Eucharist. Every Communion becomes an encounter in which the soul is nourished, purified, and gradually transformed. The Eucharist is not only the daily bread but the living flame that guides the pilgrim through the night. It is here that the Bridegroom, whom the soul seeks with “a living faith and hope,” offers Himself entirely. In the sacred silence of Adoration and the profound mystery of holy Mass, the soul is granted a foretaste of heaven—an echo of the union that St. John describes as the summit of the spiritual life.
This sacramental union propels the soul beyond spiritual childhood. The Eucharist, offered and adored, initiates a continuous ascent, as each holy Communion draws the disciple deeper into the mystery of Christ. In the words of Saint John: “For this is the table of God where the soul is fed with God Himself,” enabling the faithful to persevere through the “dark night” and ascend with unwavering confidence toward the ultimate goal—perfect union with God.
Mary, Mother and Model on Mount Carmel
On the ascent to divine union described by Saint John of the Cross, no companion is more steadfast than the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the bright star of Mount Carmel, she becomes both Mother and Model for all who seek to follow Christ with undivided heart. In the Carmelite tradition, Mary is more than a distant figure; she is the living pattern of pure faith, humble obedience, and total surrender to God’s will—a spirit Saint John of the Cross writes about with profound reverence.
Mary’s life, from her fiat at the Annunciation to her silent presence beneath the Cross, perfectly mirrors the very stages of detachment, purification, and union spoken of in the "Ascent of Mount Carmel." Her journey was one of continual trust: in moments of darkness, misunderstanding, and apparent absence of God, she never ceased to believe. In this, Mary offers a living commentary on Saint John’s teaching about the “dark night of the soul”—the mysterious pathway in which we cling to faith when all else is stripped away.
For pilgrims on the spiritual climb, Mary is the gentle advocate and sure guide. She intercedes for the grace to let go of our attachments—the affections and anxieties that hold us back from a full surrender to God. As the Mother of the Church, she nurtures in us the virtues of humility, silence, and contemplation, hallmarks of Saint John’s ascent. Through her own union with God, Mary shows us that holiness is not a solitary struggle but a response to God’s initiative, made possible by His grace and our cooperation.
Confident in her maternal love, we can ascend more freely, knowing that each step—no matter how steep or obscured—draws us closer to the pierced Heart that welcomed the Word Incarnate. Thus, on the heights of Mount Carmel, the Blessed Virgin remains ever present, a luminous sign leading us toward the fullness of union with God that Saint John of the Cross so ardently describes.
Conclusion: Ascending With Saint John, One Heart, One Spirit
Climbing Mount Carmel—guided by Saint John of the Cross—is more than a poetic metaphor; it is a solemn, transformative journey toward union with the living God. As faithful pilgrims, we are each called to peer beyond the ordinary, welcoming the profound mysteries that Saint John so faithfully illuminated with his life and writings. For centuries, his wisdom has guided seekers hungry for the depths of God’s love, showing that every valley of darkness is but a prelude to unspeakable light.
Drawing from the unshakeable faith of pioneers like Bob and Penny Lord, Journeys of Faith renews this Carmel ascent for the digital age. We invite you to contemplate Saint John’s path, to surrender attachments and be consumed by the fire of divine charity—a path that finds its summit in the Eucharist, the heart of Catholic life. With "One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit, With One Vision," let us move forward as cyber apostles, united in purpose and hope.
May your soul echo the prayer of Saint John: "Lead me, Lord, to the heights of Carmel, to union with You." The real Mount Carmel, after all, is not beyond the horizon, but within every soul willing to rise.
Saint John of The Cross Collection
Frequently Asked Questions: Climbing Mount Carmel with Saint John
What is the main theme of Climbing Mount Carmel with Saint John?
The central theme is the soul’s ascent toward union with God, guided by the teachings of Saint John of the Cross. Rooted in authentic Catholic doctrine, this journey illustrates how every faithful soul is called to “climb” spiritually, purifying the heart and mind through prayer, detachment, and surrender so as to become one with the Divine Will.
Who was Saint John of the Cross?
Saint John of the Cross was a 16th-century Spanish mystic, Carmelite friar, priest, and Doctor of the Church. Revered for his profound insight into spiritual transformation and union with God, he co-founded the Discalced Carmelites alongside Saint Teresa of Ávila. His writings, especially “The Ascent of Mount Carmel” and “The Dark Night of the Soul,” remain spiritual treasures for Catholics seeking renewal and intimacy with Christ.
What does “Mount Carmel” symbolize in the spiritual journey?
“Mount Carmel” is a rich biblical and mystical symbol. For Saint John, it represents the arduous, yet glorious, ascent every soul must undertake to reach perfect union with God. It’s a metaphor for leaving behind all attachments, comforts, and worldly desires, climbing eagerly toward the summit—where the soul encounters Christ in profound intimacy.
What are the main steps toward union with God according to Saint John?
Saint John outlines a threefold path: (1) Purification—detaching from earthly affections and sinful inclinations; (2) Illumination—allowing God’s grace and truth to enlighten the soul; and (3) Union—where the will is perfectly united to God’s will. This process largely happens through the “dark night,” a period of interior trial and transformation, leading to spiritual maturity and oneness with the Lord.
How does one begin the spiritual ascent described by Saint John?
One begins by earnestly desiring God above all else and committing to a life of prayer, confession, and the sacraments. Saint John insists on actively practicing detachment—freely letting go of what hinders the soul’s relationship with God—and embracing humility, obedience, and perseverance, often under the guidance of a spiritual director.
Why is detachment important in climbing Mount Carmel?
Detachment is crucial because disordered attachments—whether to people, things, or personal ambitions—impede the soul’s total surrender to God. Saint John teaches that only by emptying oneself of lesser loves can a soul be filled with divine love. Detachment doesn’t mean indifference; rather, it means loving all things according to God’s will.
What is the role of prayer in this journey?
Prayer is the lifeblood of the ascent up Mount Carmel. Through deep, silent, contemplative prayer, the faithful draw near to God, opening themselves to His transforming grace. Saint John emphasizes that prayer, especially in the Eucharistic context, is the soul’s means of communion and spiritual nourishment along the journey toward union.
What is the “dark night of the soul”?
The “dark night of the soul” is a spiritual purification described by Saint John. It’s a period of dryness, confusion, or trial where old comforts, even spiritual ones, seem distant. Yet, this night is a gift—God’s way of preparing the soul for deeper union by removing every obstacle to Divine intimacy. Emerging from this “night,” the soul is made radiant with God’s own life and love.
One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit, With One Vision—your journey with the saints and the Eucharist continues at Journeys of Faith.