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Midnight CarmelitePractical Wisdom for a Deeper Prayer Life Author: Andrew Gniadek
Andrew Gniadek from Luminous Tradition dives deep into the doctrine of St. John of the Cross and the broader Carmelite tradition so that you can grow in hope in God and face all the necessities, trials, and difficulties that life brings and integrate the spiritual life more into your daily living. Realize that you do not need to be a religious, that you are capable of holiness, so that you can experience a greater personal love of God and those nearby and strengthen your union with God in this life right now. Andrew has spent more than a decade as a philosopher until he encountered St. John of the Cross and the Carmelite tradition. After reading everything St. John of the Cross ever wrote, he saw that without a spiritual life built on the personal love of God and those nearby he was not fulfilling his obligation to Christ. Andrew shares his insights into Saint John of the Cross and Carmelite spirituality and uses reason, the law and doctrine of the Gospel, and his own experience, giving special attention to a variety of obstacles and trials along the way. Midnight Carmelite will challenge you both intellectually and spiritually: bringing forth insights from the life and doctrine St. John of the Cross and other Carmelite saints, engaging Scripture in the original Greek, learning philosophy of the human person, meditations on the life of our Blessed Lord, and commentary on Andrew's articles about Carmelite spirituality and philosophy. Hit subscribe now and start your journey up Mt. Carmel today. Language: en Genres: Christianity, Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Light of What Is to Come: Why This Hard Work Is Worth It (S11, EP04)
Episode 4
Wednesday, 14 January, 2026
Ready for a Spiritual Fresh Start? Looking to deepen your prayer life beyond the holiday season? Download our free guide to Carmelite spirituality to help you navigate the new year with purpose and peace: https://midnightcarmelite.com/reset Why is the spiritual life such a struggle? When we are asked to detach from the things we love and "walk by starlight," it can feel like an endless battle in the dark. But St. John of the Cross offers a powerful reason why this hard work isn't just necessary—it is the only path to true freedom. In this episode, we dive deep into the "Active Night of the Senses" and the reality of walking by the light of pure faith. We explore the difficult work of mortification and self-denial, viewing them not as arbitrary punishments, but as essential training to reorient our inner compass toward God. We also discuss the profound difference between undergoing purification here on earth versus in Purgatory, and why love for Christ—rather than fear—is the ultimate incentive for embracing the journey. In this episode, you will learn: The Active Night Explained: Understand the subtle but critical difference between healthy recreation and the spiritual danger of seeking consolation for its own sake.Purgatory Now vs. Later: Discover why St. John of the Cross argues that purification in this life (with the body) is preferable to the "unnatural" state of purification in the next.The Path to Union: Learn how the heavy lifting of virtue we do now eventually gives way to a "spiritual marriage" where God’s grace takes over the effort.
