An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 212 words)
f some imperfections which some of these souls are apt to have, with respect to the second capital sin, which is avarice, in the spiritual sense.
Many of these beginners have also at times great spiritual avarice. They will be found to be discontented with the spirituality which God gives them; they are very disconsolate and querulous because they find not in spiritual things the consolation that they would desire. Many can never have enough of listening to counsels and learning spiritual precepts, and of possessing and reading many books which treat of this matter, and they spend their time on these things rather than on works of mortification and the perfecting of the inward poverty of spirit which should be theirs.
Furthermore, they burden themselves with images and rosaries which are very curious; now they put down one, now take up another; now they change about, now change back again; now they want this kind of thing, now that, preferring one kind of cross to another, because it is more curious. And others you will see adorned with agnus deis and relics and tokens, like children with trinkets. Here I condemn the attachment of the heart, and the possessiveness, which regards these things, for this is contrary to poverty of spirit.
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
Mistaking the collection of tools, information, or experiences for actual progress or transformation.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when busy activity disguises lack of real advancement.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you're researching solutions to problems you could start solving today with what you already know.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"They will be found to be discontented with the spirituality which God gives them; they are very disconsolate and querulous because they find not in spiritual things the consolation that they would desire."
Context: John is describing how spiritual beginners get frustrated when prayer or meditation doesn't make them feel good
This reveals how people often approach spirituality like a vending machine - put in the practice, expect good feelings to come out. When it doesn't work that way, they get cranky and demanding.
In Today's Words:
They're never happy with their spiritual experience and complain constantly because they're not getting the good vibes they think they deserve.
"Many can never have enough of listening to counsels and learning spiritual precepts, and of possessing and reading many books which treat of this matter, and they spend their time on these things rather than on works of mortification."
Context: John is pointing out how people become spiritual information addicts instead of doing the actual work
This exposes a classic avoidance pattern - staying busy with learning about change instead of actually changing. It feels productive but keeps you stuck in your comfort zone.
In Today's Words:
They're always reading about how to be spiritual instead of actually doing the hard work that makes you grow.
"Here I condemn the attachment of the heart, and the possessiveness, which regards these things, for this is contrary to poverty of spirit."
Context: John clarifies that owning religious objects isn't the problem - being emotionally dependent on them is
John makes a crucial distinction between having things and needing things. The problem isn't the stuff itself but how tightly we grip it for security.
In Today's Words:
The problem isn't having spiritual stuff - it's being emotionally attached to it like your life depends on it.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Spiritual seekers define themselves by what they own rather than who they're becoming
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself buying identity markers instead of doing the work to become that person
Class
In This Chapter
Spiritual materialism mirrors economic materialism - more stuff equals higher status
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might judge your progress by what you can afford to buy rather than what you've actually changed
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
True growth requires letting go of the need to control and possess the process
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might resist the uncertainty of real change by collecting guarantees and safety nets
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
People perform spirituality through visible accumulation to meet others' expectations
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might buy things to signal your commitment to others instead of doing private work
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific behaviors does John of the Cross identify in spiritual beginners that he considers problematic?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does John see the constant accumulation of spiritual books and objects as a form of greed rather than genuine devotion?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this pattern of 'collecting instead of practicing' in modern life - whether in fitness, relationships, career development, or personal growth?
application • medium - 4
How would you help someone recognize when they're using accumulation to avoid the actual work of change?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about why humans often choose the illusion of progress over the difficulty of real transformation?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit Your Accumulation Patterns
Choose one area of your life where you want to improve (health, relationships, finances, career, parenting). List everything you've accumulated in that area - books, apps, courses, equipment, advice. Then identify what you actually use consistently versus what just sits there. Finally, pick one thing you already own and commit to using it for the next 30 days before acquiring anything new.
Consider:
- •Notice the emotional pull to keep shopping for solutions rather than using what you have
- •Consider whether you're seeking the feeling of progress or actual results
- •Ask yourself what you're avoiding by staying in accumulation mode
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you bought something thinking it would change your life, but then never used it consistently. What were you really hoping that purchase would do for you?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 4: When Your Body Betrays Your Spirit
John continues examining how beginners stumble on their spiritual path, turning next to anger—and how spiritual people can become surprisingly hostile when their religious feelings are threatened.
