Book II, Chapter XX Summary and Analysis

In this chapter St. John continues his discussion of the ten steps on the ladder of love. The sixth step of love causes the soul to run to God and have contact with Him ceaselessly. The soul must not mount this sixth step unless it feels invited there by God; however, it is on this sixth step that the soul becomes bold in its search for God and the things of God. It is men who are on this sixth step of love that receive the favor of God and are granted the things for which they ask. On the eighth step of love, the soul is allowed to grab hold of God and not let Him go. However, souls do not stay on this step long because this step is like enjoying heaven on...