The Ascent of Joy

A perfect introduction to John of the CrossÂ’ writings, this anthology makes the Spanish saint and mystic accessible to the average reader. Contains ample introductions and annotations, opening up the complete spectrum of JohnÂ’s spirituality.

“In this well-crafted introduction and anthology, Marc Foley leads the reader step by step into the very heart of the spiritual way taught by John of the Cross. Nearly every serious spiritual seeker at some point experiences a need to look to the teaching of this sixteenth-century Spanish saint and mystic for guidance, especially when one faces one's personal ‘night of the soul.’ Here, the student or seeker can gain an intimate acquaintance not only with the rigor for which John is so well-known, but also with his tenderness, his passion, and his poetic heart. Foley provides substantial introductions and notes, but the core of the teaching is developed in carefully-selected excerpts from John's own writings. The special gift of Ascent to Joy is that these excerpts are presented in a systematic order, so that the text can function both as a primer of John's teaching and as a profound introduction to the contemplative way. This volume fills a much-needed niche in the array of spiritual books available today.”

Mary Frohlich
Catholic Theological Union
Chicago, IL