Spiritual Surgery with St John of the Cross

Working on a talk for the John of the Cross Summit at Boars Hill Friary in July.  I have chosen the theme Spiritual Surgery with St John of the Cross.  I love the way that this great saint probes into the human psyche as the surgeon probes into the body, diggng out and exhibiting the hidden kinks in our nature which hold us back on our spiritual journey.  One of my favourites is his analysis of ‘spiritual gluttony’.     John tells us that ‘on account of the sweetness which they find at first in spiritual exercises. …. many of these, lured by the sweetness and pleasure which they find in such exercises, strive more after spiritual sweetness than after spiritual purity and discretion, which is that which God regards and accepts throughout the spiritual journey. Therefore, besides the imperfections into which the seeking for sweetness of this kind makes them fall, the gluttony which they now have makes them continually go to extremes, so that they pass beyond the limits of moderation within which the virtues are acquired and wherein they have their being. For some of these persons, attracted by the pleasure which they find therein, kill themselves with penances ….’  Even spiritual exercises can become an obstacle to our growth, if our longing is for ‘spiritual sweets’ – and John is warning us that surprisingly, penances can be spiritual sweets – I suppose if we practice them in order to stand out in our penitential achievements, like climbers determined to congratulate themselves on having succeeded in climbing the highest peaks.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael – youngster with occult influences

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.