 |
|
THE DARK NIGHT (cont) |
|
|
|
by St John of the Cross |
 |
|
Book Two |
| |
Ch 22. [An explanation of verse 3 of the second
stanza.] |
|
1. It was manifestly a great grace for the soul to have successfully undertaken
this departure, in which she liberated herself from the devil, the world, and
her own sensuality. In having reached the happy freedom of spirit desired by
all, the soul went from the lowly to the sublime; being earthly, she became
heavenly; and being human, she became divine, and arrived at having her
conversation in heaven [Phil. 3:20], as is proper to this state of perfection,
which we will now discuss, although somewhat more briefly.
2. What was more important and the reason I undertook this task was to explain
this night to many souls who in passing through it do not understand it, as is
pointed out in the prologue.1 The nature of this night has now been explained to
some extent. We have also discussed the many blessings this night brings to the
soul - though in a way that makes them seem less than what they in fact are -
and how great a grace it is for one who passes through it. We have written of
these blessings so that when souls become frightened by the horror of so many
trials they might take courage in the sure hope of the many advantageous
blessings obtained from God through these trials. This night was, besides, a
sheer grace for the soul on account of what she says in the next verse: in
darkness and concealment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
