The Dark Night of the Senses: Let God Transform Your Soul

Published 13 hours ago

Why does following Christ sometimes begin with discomfort, homesickness and the painful loss of familiar consolations? This Catholic homily for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost examines how God purifies the soul from inordinate attachments and provides every grace necessary to persevere.

Addressing religious sisters, the priest explains the “dark night of the senses” through the teachings of St. John of the Cross. The saint compares the soul to green wood placed upon a fire. At first, the heat drives out moisture, producing darkness, smoke and an unpleasant odor. Once purified, however, the wood becomes a glowing ember and is gradually transformed into the likeness of the fire itself.

God permits trials not to destroy or discourage us, but to detach us from selfish attachments and unite us more completely with Jesus Christ. Our task is not to understand or control every stage of the process. We must remain humble, patient and prayerful, trusting the Lord to accomplish His work through grace.

At Holy Communion, Christ offers us the fire of His own love. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may we recognize that our hearts are burning within us as He draws us toward perfect union with Him.

00:00 St. Michael Comics
00:24 Opening prayer
00:34 The difficulties of entering religious life
01:02 Homesickness and leaving familiar comforts
01:33 St. Paul’s promise of sufficient grace
02:15 God purifies inordinate attachments
02:41 The dark night of the spirit
02:58 Living only for God
03:11 The dark night of the senses
03:38 Humility and prayerful trust
03:57 St. John of the Cross
04:19 The imprisonment behind his spiritual masterpiece
04:37 Why God sends purification
04:56 The soul as green wood upon the fire
05:13 The fire drives out moisture
05:31 The wood becomes completely dry
05:45 Transformation into a glowing ember
06:00 The early disorder of purification
06:16 Abnegation, faith and love of the Cross
06:34 Union with the fire of divine love
06:59 Do not become discouraged
07:14 Submit to God’s plan
07:30 Be patient and let the Lord work
07:44 Do not abandon your vocation
08:02 Join the heavenly boat
08:16 Christ’s fire in Holy Communion
08:34 The disciples on the road to Emmaus
08:41 Closing prayer
08:57 Real Estate for Life
09:12 Sensus Fidelium app