십자가의 성 요한 신성화 (2019) - 맨발로 걸어간 개혁자의 빛
Brief Description of Saint John of the Cross’s ShinsungHwa (2019)
At the very center of the composition’s upper region, a powerful symbol of the light emerges prominently. The figure appears enveloped in luminous energy, with magnetic field-like formations radiating around the body. Beneath the feet, an energetic foundation resembling stepped platforms becomes visible.
 |
“Love consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.”
_Saint John of the Cross
The Little Giant: Saint John of the Cross
Meet a man barely five feet tall who became one of Spain’s greatest spiritual teachers and poets. Saint John of the Cross may have been small in stature, but his heart held enough love and courage to transform the world around him. His life unfolds like an adventure filled with friendship, trials, and profound discoveries about divine love.
“If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection.”
_Saint John of the Cross
Humble Beginnings
Juan de Yepes y Alvarez entered the world in 1542 in Fontiveros, a modest Spanish town. Born into neither wealth nor fame, he exemplified how extraordinary souls often emerge from ordinary circumstances. Drawn to serve God, he joined the Carmelite Order in 1563, adopting the name “John of St. Matthias.”
John possessed a brilliant mind and an insatiable love for learning. At Salamanca University, he mastered theology and philosophy, becoming a biblical scholar. He undertook something quite bold for his era—translating the Song of Songs into Spanish. Though controversial (the Church rarely permitted such translations), John believed people deserved access to God’s word in their native tongue.
“In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.”
_Saint John of the Cross
A Transformative Encounter
In 1567, destiny intervened. John met Teresa of Avila, a remarkable nun already renowned for her profound relationship with God. Teresa harbored ambitious plans to reform the Carmelite Order, restoring its original emphasis on prayer and simplicity. Upon meeting John, she recognized her ideal collaborator.
Teresa was so taken with John that she quipped they now had “a friar and a half”—the “half” referring to John’s diminutive stature. Yet what he lacked in height, he more than compensated for in spiritual wisdom and unwavering determination. Teresa later praised him as reaching “the greatest height of sanctity any human creature can attain in this life.”
“In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.”
_Saint John of the Cross
Forging a New Path
November 28, 1568, marked a pivotal moment. Teresa established a new monastery, and John officially became “John of the Cross.” This transformation represented more than a simple name change—John was choosing to dedicate his entire existence to following Christ, even through suffering.
The pair founded the Discalced Carmelites—”discalced” meaning “barefoot,” symbolizing their commitment to humble, simple living. Focused on prayer, contemplation, and spiritual guidance, they established monasteries and communities throughout Spain, creating sanctuaries where souls could experience divine love more intimately.
“Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.”
_Saint John of the Cross
A Vision That Transcended Time
Between 1574 and 1577, while praying in a loft overlooking the Monastery of the Incarnation’s sanctuary in Ávila, John experienced something extraordinary. Christ appeared to him on the cross, viewed from above. This profound spiritual encounter moved John to capture his vision in a drawing.
Far from ordinary, this sketch proved so significant that by 1641, it was enshrined in a small monstrance in Ávila. Centuries later, Salvador Dalí discovered John’s drawing and, deeply inspired, created his 1951 masterpiece “Christ of Saint John of the Cross.” A simple monk’s prayer had sparked art that continues captivating audiences today.
“Never give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction.”
_Saint John of the Cross
Darkness and Golden Wisdom
John’s journey wasn’t without tribulation. He faced fierce opposition, misunderstanding, and imprisonment from those who resisted the reforms he and Teresa championed. During these trying periods, John encountered what he termed the “dark night of the soul”—times when God seemed distant and faith wavered.
Rather than succumbing to bitterness, John transformed these experiences into compassionate guidance for others. He became renowned for his empathy toward those struggling with spiritual dryness or despair. His exquisite poetry and spiritual writings remain influential today, teaching us that even in our bleakest moments, divine love continues guiding us toward light.
Among his most cherished teachings: “Faith and love will lead you along a path unknown to you, to the place where God is hidden,” and “Where there is no love, put love—and you will find love.” These profound yet simple words illuminate how to live with hope and kindness, regardless of our challenges.
John passed away on December 14, 1591, succumbing to a skin infection. Yet his influence persisted. Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726, establishing him as patron saint of contemplatives, mystics, and Spanish poets. His feast day continues being celebrated each December 14th.
John’s greatness stemmed not from his stature or scholarly achievements, but from his immense capacity for love. Even when mistreated, he responded with kindness and forgiveness, demonstrating that true strength flows from loving others—especially those difficult to love.
