Spiritual Accompaniment in the Carmelite Tradition
Keywords:
Carmelite Tradition, Spiritual Accompaniment, God’s love, St John of the CrossAbstract
The Carmelite tradition of spiritual accompaniment is based on the fundamental principle of God’s love constantly seeking all, bringing them to wholeness in the reign of God. Moreover, God here is seen always as the principal agent bringing it about in one’s day to day life. A guide must have knowledge, discretion and experience. Thus, the guide needs to be aware of his/her own abilities, remembering always that the Holy Spirit is the true guide who leads each one according to their sacred story. Through Faith and the Law of God, the person sees and trusts the Spirit in the journey. The guide helps the person to solitude, quiet, and freedom, knowing that God takes care of the person. The foundational role of the guide according to St John of the Cross is to prepare the person for God’s work, helping the person to listen to the Spirit trusting always that nothing in life is wasted and that everything somehow enters the process of becoming whole human beings in God.
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An excellent book for those who wish to delve more deeply into the ideas of St. John of the Cross.
