The idea of “resembling unification” as developed by John of the Cross is broadly
discussed by scholars of his work. The key queries here are not only those of how
this kind of unification, the highest moment of mystical unification possible in
earthly life, is possible in the mystic’s soul, but also what role is played by two fundamental
powers of soul: mind and will. In John’s view their tasks are clear: while
unifying with God they turn towards their supernatural objects, which are the virtues
of, respectively, faith and love. Yet, the problem of what is the nature of the
unification thus understood remains unsolved. Is it a kind of intellectual insight or
an experience of emotion and will? How should be understood the “substantial
touches” in the very heart of the soul which John mentions in the descriptions of
states of the highest unification? Finally, what is the difference between unification
in the substance of the soul and transformation of its powers and is this unification
identical with participation in the life of God itself as John describes it? The aim of
the paper is to answer those questions