Way of the Fathers 5.29 St. John of Avila: The Master
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Feb 25, 2026 A lively dive into St. John of Avila’s preaching style and surviving sermons. They trace his influence on reform, clergy training, and the Council of Trent. Conversation covers his spiritual counsel on confession, Eucharist reverence, resisting temptation, and family vocation. Mentorship of Teresa, John of the Cross, and support for the Jesuits also get attention.
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Preaching Fueled A Regional Spiritual Revival
- St. John of Avila revived southern Spain mainly through preaching rather than books.
- His sermons interpreted Gospel parables allegorically and directly applied them to listeners' lives, prompting many to confession.
Everyone Works For God Or The Devil
- John of Avila taught that everyone is always working either for God or the devil.
- He used the parable of the vineyard to argue it's never too late to join God's work and warned against wasting life on spectacles like jousts.
Confess Before Communion And Work God's Vineyard
- Go to confession and avoid receiving the Eucharist with mortal sin on your conscience.
- St. John argued working in God's vineyard brings contentment despite suffering because God provides remedy or purpose.
