Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith

Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith

Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and Carmelite friar, is known for his profound spiritual writings and teachings on the importance of following the guidance of a spiritual director or confessor. In his works, he emphasizes the necessity of humility and faith in submitting to the advice and direction of a confessor, as a way to grow in holiness and deepen one's relationship with God.

Saint John of the Cross believed that pride and a lack of faith were the main obstacles to spiritual growth and union with God. He saw the confessor as a spiritual guide who could help individuals overcome their own weaknesses and shortcomings, and lead them on the path to spiritual perfection. By following the advice of a confessor, one could learn to let go of their own will and desires, and instead trust in God's plan for their life.

For Saint John of the Cross, pride was the root of all sin and the greatest obstacle to spiritual progress. He believed that those who refused to follow the advice of their confessor were acting out of pride, thinking that they knew better than their spiritual guide. By rejecting the guidance of a confessor, they were essentially rejecting God's will for their life and hindering their own spiritual growth.

In his writings, Saint John of the Cross also stressed the importance of faith in the spiritual journey. He believed that true faith required a complete surrender to God's will and a willingness to trust in His guidance, even when it seemed difficult or challenging. By following the advice of a confessor, one could demonstrate their faith in God's providence and their willingness to submit to His will.