…rugged souls of determination are those who advance most securely along the contemplative path to God. These seem often to be the most simple people, those not held back by ambitions for the enjoyment of their pride in this passing world. Indeed, nothing of spiritual elitism is compatible with the grace of contemplation. It is not a feat of acquired skills or of learned proficiency in prayer but, rather, an interior path of humility and deep faith and intense love for God. Are we perhaps invited in God’s plan to this grace of contemplation? A consuming desire for God that will not release our soul is one sign that this grace may await us or is already present. But we must be ready, if that grace deepen its impact, to leave naked the depths of our soul for God. We must be willing to give to God an offering of love and sacrifice, seeking nothing more urgently in life than him. These are serious demands, certainly. For souls who may be attracted to such a life of deeper personal interiority with God, Saint John of the Cross is an incomparable mentor.  –“Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation” by Father Donald Haggerty