Jan van ruysbroeck biography for kids

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315.

On Purgatory

“Purgatory is the work of divine justice and mercy, for there the soul is purified of all its stains. 247.

On Confession

“When a man truly repents of his sins and lays them bare in confession, he opens the door to the mercy of God. The absolution of the priest is the voice of Christ Himself, saying, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ By this sacrament, the soul is reconciled to God and the Church, and it regains the grace and light that were lost through sin.” –The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage, Book III, Chapter 3.

250.

On Baptism

“Baptism is the beginning of all spiritual life, for it washes away the guilt of original sin and imprints upon the soul the seal of divine adoption. 303.

On Purgatory

“In the cleansing fires of purgatory, the soul is purified of every stain that it may enter into the presence of God with perfect love.

175.

On Confession

“Through the sacrament of penance, the soul is cleansed and adorned anew with divine grace. These writings are now lost. He described three steps to growing spiritually:

  • The active life: Doing good deeds and helping others.
  • The inward life: Focusing on your inner thoughts and feelings.
  • The contemplative life: Reaching a deep, quiet union with God.

He taught that even at the highest level of spiritual growth, the soul still keeps its own identity.

105.

On Mary, Mediatrix & Qusen of Heaven

“Mary is the purest of all creatures, chosen by God to be the mother of His Son. Her perfect humility and obedience made her worthy to bear the Word of God. She is the Queen of Heaven, the Mediatrix of all graces, and the intercessor for all who call upon her.

John, known for his extreme austerity and spiritual discipline, became renowned as a sublime contemplative and a skilled director of souls. Found in The Spiritual Espousals and Other Works of John of Ruysbroeck, p. As word of John's wisdom and holiness spread, like-minded individuals were drawn to join him in this contemplative life.

jan van ruysbroeck biography for kids

This is the mercy of God, who desires that all His children be made spotless before they stand in His glory.” –The Book of the Twelve Béguines, Chapter 8. James A. Wiseman, p. It is not enough to love God; we must love Him with a pure and perfect love. 145.

On the Papacy

“The Pope, as the Vicar of Christ, holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven and governs the Church with authority given by God.

To remain in obedience to the Holy See is to remain in obedience to Christ Himself.” –The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage, Book I, Chapter 5. Parts of it were even translated into English. Around the same time, he also wrote a shorter book called The Sparkling Stone.

Most of John's well-known writings were created while he was at Groenendaal.

Many copies of this book still exist in Dutch, Latin, and German, showing how popular it was. This sacrament washes away all sin and seals us with the indelible mark of divine love, setting us on the path to eternal union with God.” –The Sparkling Stone, Chapter 4. For the 15th-century architect, see Jan van Ruysbroek (architect).

Quick facts for kids

Blessed
John van Ruysbroeck
Can.

He met with other religious groups and was visited by Geert Groote, who started the Devotio Moderna movement.

John of Ruusbroec passed away at Groenendaal on December 2, 1381, at the age of 82.

His Writings and Books

John of Ruusbroec wrote twelve books, seven letters, two hymns, and one prayer.

It has three parts, talking about:

  • The active life (doing good deeds)
  • The inner life (thinking and feeling)
  • The contemplative life (deep prayer and connection with God)

John wrote when he felt inspired. In his books about living a good life, he often talks about:

  • Detachment: Not being too attached to worldly things.
  • Humility: Being humble and modest.
  • Charity: Showing great love for God and others.
  • Avoiding worldly distractions.
  • Thinking deeply about the life of Jesus Christ, especially his suffering.
  • Giving oneself completely to God's will.
  • Having a strong, personal love for God.

John of Ruusbroec believed that people find God deep within their own soul.