Introduction
Navigating the complexities of faith and the depths of the soul can be a challenging and bewildering experience. In the midst of spiritual darkness, where words fail to capture the essence of our struggles, we can find solace in the insights of St. John of the Cross and Theresa of Avila. Gerald May’s book, “The Dark Night of the Soul,” unravels the profound thoughts of these spiritual luminaries, shedding light on the transformative potential hidden within these seasons of obscurity. This post explores the profound beauty and purpose of the dark night of the soul, inviting readers to embrace their own journey of awakening and growth.
Feeling Like Misfits
Often, during periods of spiritual uncertainty, we may feel like misfits, driven by a deep, ungraspable love that sets us apart (May, 65). It is not that we are discovering our desire for God for the first time, but rather wrestling with claiming it in a culture that may fail to understand. This struggle extends beyond the secular world and may even be prevalent within Christian culture. We may come to realize that our longing for God surpasses the boundaries of the westernized church, leaving us with a mysterious yet compelling quest.
Embracing the Mystery
May aptly characterizes the time of darkness as a mystery—a time when suffering and joy coexist, and when God’s activity alternates between engagement and withdrawal. In this enigmatic space, God addresses our attachment issues while allowing us to sit with our pain. For some, this season may be marked by anguish, feeling trapped behind walls with glimmers of light seeping through but never fully accessible. However, there are also moments of profound joy, when we recognize God’s presence and surrender our need for control.
The Weight of Failure
In the midst of spiritual darkness, it is common to internalize a sense of personal failure. We attribute our struggles to laziness, addictions, or bad habits, carrying a burden of self-blame. It is crucial to acknowledge these feelings without dismissing them entirely. However, it is also essential to consider that there may be more to this darkness than our perceived shortcomings.
Necessity of Darkness
May proposes that our defense mechanisms would prevent us from embarking on a journey towards true freedom if we were aware of what we needed to relinquish (May, 72). Spiritual matters, according to St. John of the Cross, necessitate darkness for our safety. Just as a concerned parent shields their child from witnessing something distressing, God veils our awareness to protect us. In the absence of clarity, we become receptive to divine guidance in a way that surpasses the comprehension of our rational minds.
Gifts That Emerge As A Result
While the night of the soul is not meant to endure indefinitely, its purpose is transformative. May highlights three gifts that emerge from this experience: first, our deepest desires find satisfaction in the presence of Jesus; second, the illusion of separation from God dissipates; and third, our understanding of God’s love and union with Him propels us to actively participate in His kingdom mission. These gifts, intrinsically tied to the radical movement of Christ in our lives, shape our souls and redefine our spiritual journey.
Conclusion:
As we reflect upon these musings, may they ignite contemplation within you. If you find resonance in these thoughts and seek further discussion, I invite you to reach out. May your own journey through the dark night of the soul be infused with blessings and the assurance that this transformative process leads to greater awakening, fulfillment, and participation in God’s divine purposes.
References: May, G. G. (2005). The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. HarperCollins.