Long before I became Catholic, I remember picking up a book on the mystics from my sister’s kitchen table.
Shocked, I immediately demanded, “What in the world in this?” (I wasn’t exactly what you’d call “Catholic-friendly” back then.)
My lovely sister replied that she had begun to read St. Teresa of Avila and other mystics. A Protestant woman of deep prayer, she more or less confessed there was an attraction to the Catholic spiritual writers that was undeniable.
I thought she was nuts.
But thirty-some years later, I know exactly what she’s talking about.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MYSTICAL LIFE?
Catholic spiritual teaching has absolutely revolutionized my world. I didn’t really dive into the mystics like St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross until several years after I converted, but when I finally did…Wow!…Everything changed.
My prayer life deepened. My experience of the Mass was transformed. And my entire worldview became an “otherworldly view”, if you know what I mean.
And my excitement for Catholic spiritual teaching has never waned.
Which is why I’m really excited to share with you my latest Art of Catholic podcast.
It features a man I believe to be one the great modern voices in Catholic spirituality – Fr. Donald Haggerty.
His latest book – “St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation” – is a tour-de-force and is easily the best commentary on the Mystical Doctor I’ve ever read.
In this beautiful conversation, we get into topics like:
- Who was St. John of the Cross
- Why is deeper prayer a necessity for Catholics?
- What are some common obstacles to deeper prayer?
- What is the real role of asceticism?
- The importance of “mental austerity”
- The theme of darkness in John of the Cross
- St. John Paul II’s love of St. John of the Cross and his fascinating view of the virtue of faith
- and more!
This is one of those conversations you don’t want to miss because it can change your life.
God bless and enjoy!
Matthew
PS Here’s the Audio-Only Version
8 Responses
Do you offer a three month subscription?
We absolutely do, Kathy! You can find it at https://science-of-sainthood.myshopify.com/products/science-of-sainthood-basic-3month-membership?selling_plan=594477100.
All the memberships can be found at: https://science-of-sainthood.myshopify.com/collections/memberships.
God bless and let me know if you have any more questions!
Matthew
Do you have a bible study course covering both the Old and New Testaments?
I haven’t done a straight up Bible study in the Science of Sainthood, Darlene. That said, Scripture (both Old and New) is woven throughout every course. God bless!
Outstanding. Thank you so much.
Thanks, Elaine. All glory be to God!
Matthew,
I listen and watch many of your works and this one however has no sound.
Sorry you’re having trouble, Christine, though I can see no problem on our end. It’s playing fine for others. Did you try to listen to the audio only version at the bottom of the post?