The Dark Night

Posted on November 13th, 2005 by fatherneo.
Categories: Uncategorized.


St. John of the Cross wrote about spiritual depression in his famed Dark Night of the Soul. He mentions that ‘consolations’ (warm spiritual experiences) are common among followers of Christ, but that God often removes them to train his followers to look for him and not for the consolations. In other words, spiritual experiences are a gift, but that it is the ability to follow God through doubt and suffering that a disciple is made. The fathers of the desert even warned that certain experiences came from the Evil One to keep the monk off track.

I am not experiencing a ‘dark night’ per se, but I find myself in the desert or dark when parish life becomes downright sad. Right now it is a bit sad because more than one of our beloved members are suffering. With Constantine, I am troubled. ‘Would that you would rend the heavens and come down, O Lord,’ so said the prophet Isaiah. So says I.

8 comments.

  1. voixdange

    Comment on November 14th, 2005.

    He’s on His way.


  2. MaxiSmeg

    Comment on November 15th, 2005.

    I don’t know if you read my blog but it’s going to be gone and replaced. Just be aware that there will be a few days of no MaxiSmeg until he returns.


  3. Constantine

    Comment on November 16th, 2005.

    Why must holy places be dark places?
    –St. Clive (from “Til We Have Faces”)


  4. voixdange

    Comment on November 16th, 2005.

    They aren’t always. They are only a part of the revelatory experience. You have to know and beleive that the light is coming.


  5. Steven

    Comment on November 16th, 2005.

    MaxiSmeg is returned.


  6. Socratic Coyote

    Comment on November 16th, 2005.

    Dearest Father Neo:

    Two requests. First, remind me, the blue pill and the red pill, which led Neo back to normal life, and which color plunged him into the truth? (For an Advent sermon)

    Second, check out my page. I posted an All Saints sermon that really seemed to hit home, especially for where Christ The King is right now. If you post it, they will come.


  7. Constantine

    Comment on November 18th, 2005.

    Your boy is at it again.

    Gifts of the Desert - Markides


  8. Steven

    Comment on November 21st, 2005.

    Take it one step at a time.

    Sorry to steal a sentiment from a series but:

    When you can’t run, you walk.
    When you can’t walk, you crawl.
    When you can’t crawl, find someone to carry you.

    Remember that He is faithful.


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