This conversation explores the concept of the ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ as articulated by St. John of the Cross, emphasizing its multifaceted nature and common misunderstandings. It discusses the spiritual journey of the soul towards union with God, the role of faith, and asceticism and contemplative aridity.
Takeaways
St. John of the Cross talks about the entire spiritual life as a “night” in three ways: the need to deprive the sense appetites, the darkness of faith, and the obscureness of God.
Deprivation of worldly desires is essential for spiritual growth, and purgation is necessary for the soul’s purification.
Contemplative Aridity is different than Spiritual Desolation. While both experiences may feel similar, contemplative aridity is a result of growing closer to God, and spiritual desolation is the result of sin, weakness, or the need for humility or self knowledge.
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