Saint John of the Cross: Preaching from the Cross
John taught that courageous preaching is crucified preaching—stripped, silent when necessary, yet burning with God alone.
- Preached naked truth: As Carmelite reformer with St. Teresa of Ávila, he fearlessly denounced mediocrity in religious life. His own brothers kidnapped, imprisoned, and flogged him nine months in a Toledo cell—for preaching purity.
- Wrote masterpieces in prison: In darkness, beaten weekly, he composed the soaring poetry of Spiritual Canticle and Dark Night, turning a 6×10-foot closet into a pulpit for the ages.
- Refused comfort or compromise: Offered release if he stopped the reform, he answered: “Where there is no love, put love, and you will find Love.” Escaped only by miracle, then kept preaching detachment while dying rejected by his order.
- Last words: “Tonight I shall sing Matins in heaven.”
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
Authentic proclamation often begins when every human support is stripped away. Only the cross makes the message pure.
John’s motto: “To reach the place you do not know, you must go by a way you do not know.” Preach from the wound—then the light gets through.
