Dark Night of the Soul: The Properties of a Dark Night

Dark Night of the Soul: The Properties of a Dark Night

Just as a literal night is bounded by light, is measured in time which seems different than day, and which plumbs depths of a particular flavor unaccessible other ways, the Dark Night of the Soul experiences a unique journey. This chapter is the end of the writing, though it doesn't seem to be a finished treatise. You'll have to ask St John of the Cross about it when you see him in glory.

Dark Night of the Soul: Union of the Soul with God

St John of the Cross explains how a soul must be stripped of its old hangings, assumptions, habits, and ways in order to receive the new, spiritual, godly communication and intimacy of the Divine.

Dark Night of the Soul: The Fight for the Soul

Expounding "in darkness and in concealment," St John of the Cross reasons through the relationship and interaction of good and evil in the soul, alluding often to Job's troubles as evidence for his theory.

Dark Night of the Soul: O Happy Chance!

St John of the Cross introduces the next stanza, expressing the joy of a soul being so blessed and chosen to experience this dark night, to have the opportunity to meet God more fully.

Dark Night of the Soul: Clothed in Faith, Hope, and Love

In this dark night, St John of the Cross says, the soul goes forth on the journey clothed in faith, hope, and charity, which serve to protect the soul from assailants well-recounted in this chapter.