It is interesting to note that when speaking of the suffering of souls in the "deep, terrifying darkness" of the dark night (the initial stages of contemplation or the purgative stage), the intensity of their suffering is likened to that of the soul in purgatory. Keep in mind John of the Cross is speaking about contemplatives here. Nevertheless there is something analogous to what every soul experiences sooner or later - later meaning purgatory if we are fortunate. The following is an excerpt from The Living Flame of Love, by John of the Cross.
All the soul's infirmities are brought to light; they are set before its eyes to be felt and healed.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Living Flame
Do not be discouraged.
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2 comments:
Thanks so much for the link - I was questioning if I should leave the post up - feeling rather presumptuous to share my thoughts about St. John. Today's responsorial Psalm echoes this,
"I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes." - Ps. 50
Oh, Terry, please don't take it down! It's beautiful!
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