Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Dark Night of the Soul

I just finished reading The Dark Night of the Soul by Dr. Gerald May who examined the works of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila who lived back in the 1500's.  Dr. May explores this darkness that leads to a deeper faith.


Here is an excerpt from Dr. May's book that describes St. John of the Cross' perspective on God.  "Thus every part of us is, at its core, a desire for love's fulfillment.  Though we seldom recognize it, our senses seek the beauty, the sweetness, the good feelings of God. 

Our mind seeks the truth and wisdom of God. 
Our will seeks to live out the goodness, the righteousness of God. 
Our memory and imagination seek the justice and peace of God. 

In other words, we yearn for the attributes of God with every part of ourselves.  Human beings are two-legged, walking, talking desires for God.  Ultimately, it is only God's very self that can truly satisfy our deepest desires and liberate our love for all of life."



 St. Teresa of Avila became the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church.

Now I would like to read more of the works of these two great saints!

noreen

3 comments:

  1. I just LOVE this book...it really helped me put Dark Night in perspective. I also love the icon of St. John that you have posted. His writings draw me towards another world closer to God!

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  2. I am now reading Teresa of Avila, and I am finding that her writings are just perfect for this day and age.

    Thank you Noreen for stopping by the cottage. It is always a pleasure to meet friends of Gae :)

    It is easy to make the spray...take a spray bottle, preferably new, and add warm water until you almost fill it; then add about 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil...shake well and that is it :)

    Enjoy, Maria.

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  3. Hi Noreen!

    You might also like "Fire Within" by Fr. Thomas Dubay or "The Fulfillment of All Desire" by Ralph Martin. They examine the writings of these mystics and help make them more understandable.

    "Fire Within" changed my life!

    Andrea

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