San Juan de la Cruz

San Juan de la Cruz was a Spanish mystic and poet from the 16th century known for his deep spiritual writings. He emphasized the soul’s journey toward divine union through love, prayer, and inner reflection. His poetic works explore themes of spiritual longing, darkness, and the light of God, offering insights into overcoming inner struggles to achieve closeness with the divine. His teachings have influenced Christian mysticism and contemplative prayer, highlighting that true spiritual awakening often involves walking through spiritual “dark nights” before reaching enlightenment.