The Influence of St John of the Cross on the Spiritual Path of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Abstract

The article presents the claim that the basis of Edith Stein’s perfect understanding of the mystical doctrine of St John of the Cross is the similarity between these two saints, both in the historical and in the spiritual sense. Spiritual direction finds very good ground when there is perfect understanding between the spiritual director and the directee, and when they participate in the same reality. To justify this claim, the article discusses three points: the similarity of the life path of both saints on the historical level; the spiritual similarity between them; and John of the Cross as Edith Stein’s guide on her spiritual path. We can find many analogies in their respective lives: their studies, their love of own family, St Teresa of Jesus, their death. Also, although in her last work entitled Scientia Crucis Edith explains the spiritual path of St John of the Cross, the book can certainly be considered autobiographical. They both passionately sought truth and love; they both accepted being nailed to Christ’s Cross; they both attained the scientia Crucis, being united with the Crucified Lord, whether through mystical death or a death that was at the same time mystical and physical. One more factor to be considered is the Carmelite vocation. John of the Cross is the spiritual father of the Carmel and as such naturally becomes a spiritual guide to all Carmelites on their way to union with God. Moreover, Edith Stein had many personal reasons for embracing his guidance.