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Dark Night of the Soul Meditation

St. John of the Cross

The Dark Night of the Soul, as described by St. John of the Cross, refers to a period of profound spiritual desolation and perceived abandonment by God. It is an essential phase in the journey toward spiritual maturity, purifying the soul for deeper union with God. St. John identifies two stages: the night of senses, where one detaches from worldly attachments, and the night of spirit, a deeper purification marked by intense spiritual dryness. Though painful, this process is guided by the Holy Spirit and leads to greater faith, hope, and love. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis also affirm that these periods of spiritual darkness, though difficult, ultimately bring believers closer to God by fostering a deeper reliance on His grace. Moments of desolation should not be seen as God's absence, but as opportunities for spiritual growth and a deepening of faith. St. John of the Cross expounded this important aspect of faith maturity in his book titled Dark Night of the Soul. In a few moments, I will read arguably the most famous portion of that book. It is a beautiful poem that has captivated the hearts and minds of clergy, laymen, scholars, and theologians alike. You most likely will not understand it upon the first reading—most realities of our faith are like that. Do not let your heart be troubled. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and dedicated practice, little by little, day by day, the Lord is making all things new. The sufferings, or the “nights,” as St. John of the Cross calls them, may seem long and arduous, but our God is close to the brokenhearted and those who put their lives in His hands. To help you meditate more deeply upon this poem, we will read it twice, propose a series of questions to ponder, and then conclude with a final prayer. A Poem from the great work, The Dark Night of the Soul, by St. John of the Cross Pause Once in the dark of night, Inflamed with love and yearning, I arose And went, as no one knows, When all my house lay long in deep repose All in the dark went right, Down secret steps, disguised in other clothes, In dark when no one knows, When all my house lay long in deep repose And in the luck of night In secret places where no other spied I went without my sight Without a light to guide Except the heart that lit me from inside. It guided me and shone Surer than noonday sunlight over me, And led me to the one Whom only I could see Deep in a place where only we could be. Pause O guiding dark of night! O dark of night more darling than the dawn! O night that can unite A lover and loved one, Lover and loved one moved in unison. And on my flowering breast Which I had kept for him and him alone He slept as I caressed And loved him for my own, Breathing an air from redolent cedars blown. And from the castle wall The wind came down to winnow through his hair Bidding his fingers fall, Searing my throat with air And all my senses were suspended there. I stayed there to forget. There on my lover, face to face, I lay. All ended, and I let My cares all fall away Forgotten in the lilies on that day