John of the Cross did not seek his imprisonment. He does not observe suffering from the comfort of a bystander and does not theorize about the injustices of the world. Suffering is not a feeling that one occasionally indulges in; it is a fundamental experience of our life that visits us daily, whether we like it or not. It is not the suffering of others, but rather the anguish that he experiences firsthand. He is unable to keep a distance from suffering. Suffering is the place from which John writes.
One who observes the suffering of others may still consider whether to heed the call to defend what should not be. But just as easily, one may succumb to the inclination not to relinquish cherished habits, acquired wealth, or their average everyday life. A believer may similarly nestle comfortably in prayer. Or they may philosophize about the injustices of the world or theologize about God’s justice, all the while indifferently overlooking what requires their commitment. Finally, when we consider all of this, we may choose to save our own skin and prefer to care for ourselves over the well-being of another, no matter what troubles they may be facing.
(Teresa Benedicta of the Cross /1891–1942/, The Science of the Cross)
