At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love

At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love

Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and poet, believed that at the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love. This profound statement encapsulates the essence of his teachings on the importance of love in the spiritual journey towards union with God. Saint John of the Cross was a key figure in the Christian mystical tradition, known for his writings on the soul's journey towards divine union through the purification of the senses and the spirit.

In his spiritual masterpiece, "The Dark Night of the Soul," Saint John of the Cross explores the process of purgation and purification that the soul must undergo in order to reach a state of divine union. He describes the dark night as a period of intense spiritual suffering and purification, during which the soul is stripped of all attachments and desires that hinder its union with God. Through this process of purification, the soul is able to transcend its earthly limitations and experience a profound union with the divine.

Central to Saint John of the Cross's teachings is the concept of love as the driving force behind the soul's journey towards God. He believed that love is the highest virtue and the ultimate measure of a person's spiritual progress. In his writings, Saint John of the Cross emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep and selfless love for God and others as the key to spiritual growth and transformation.

At the evening of life, Saint John of the Cross suggests that we will be judged not on our accomplishments or possessions, but on the depth and sincerity of our love. This echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the primacy of love in the Christian faith. Saint John of the Cross believed that love is the ultimate criterion by which our lives will be evaluated, and that our capacity to love unconditionally is a reflection of our spiritual maturity and closeness to God.