Saint John of the Cross was a Carmelite priest, poet, theologian, spiritual director, and a religious leader. He became one of the world's foremost experts on making progress in faith, prayer, and love. Immersing himself in the writings of spiritual masters, John discovered how images can speak of the Christians efforts to follow Christ and seek union with God. Four images stand out: night and its darkness, a log tossed into a flame, a romantic relationship, and a mountain climb.