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Rating: 
Summary: A fine introduction
Review: If you feel a yearning for deeper spirituality, but are disenchanted with religion, this little book may be for you. John of the Cross continues to be the greatest Western spiritual master of this age. After 500 years, his popularity is only growing. His insightful writings appeal to persons of all faiths. In Kirvan's words, "he leads the seeking soul more deeply, more insistently, more uncompromisingly, and more sure-footedly into the mysteries of personal union with God than any other." That may sound intimidating, but this book is accessible to anyone. I read it on the train each day on the way to work. Each day is a three-part process: read, reflect and pray. Kirvan provides a small excerpt of John's writing that can be read in about 2 minutes, but contains enough food for thought to nourish you for the whole day. Then there is a small "mantra" phrase (for instance, "Let go of what you know") that can easily be memorized, or written on a small card and carried around with you, to be reflected on during the day. Then, for the end of day, there is a prayer that incorporates the day's theme. (I read that on the train going home at night.) So in 30 days, without taking any significant time out of my schedule, I found a spiritual friend in John of the Cross who nurtured my soul. My thanks to John Kirvan for making this possible. I've just ordered another four books in the same series, and more of the writings of John of the Cross.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual nourishment on a busy schedule
Review: If you feel a yearning for deeper spirituality, but are disenchanted with religion, this little book may be for you. John of the Cross continues to be the greatest Western spiritual master of this age. After 500 years, his popularity is only growing. His insightful writings appeal to persons of all faiths. In Kirvan's words, "he leads the seeking soul more deeply, more insistently, more uncompromisingly, and more sure-footedly into the mysteries of personal union with God than any other." That may sound intimidating, but this book is accessible to anyone. I read it on the train each day on the way to work. Each day is a three-part process: read, reflect and pray. Kirvan provides a small excerpt of John's writing that can be read in about 2 minutes, but contains enough food for thought to nourish you for the whole day. Then there is a small "mantra" phrase (for instance, "Let go of what you know") that can easily be memorized, or written on a small card and carried around with you, to be reflected on during the day. Then, for the end of day, there is a prayer that incorporates the day's theme. (I read that on the train going home at night.) So in 30 days, without taking any significant time out of my schedule, I found a spiritual friend in John of the Cross who nurtured my soul. My thanks to John Kirvan for making this possible. I've just ordered another four books in the same series, and more of the writings of John of the Cross.
Rating:
Summary: A fine introduction
Review: This short book is a wonderful and simple introduction to a complex and exceptionally deep teacher. Although by no means an expert in St John's theology, I have been active in the prayer life for several years and am familiar with his work. Sad to say, nearly everything written about this marvelous saint is almost as difficult to penetrate as the original. John Kirvan's little book can change all that, by giving us short vignettes which illustrate the basic principles of St John's magnificent work, and by giving us exercises we can use to shape our day. I cannot help but think that St John would approve,and I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading and using this book.
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