That dark night thing…
The feast of Blessed Mother Teresa.
Considering the deep prayer of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and the various ‘nights of the spirit’ souls encounter in the spiritual life, I thought of the verses from the Song of Songs which seem to speak to that aspect of the life and vocation of Mother Teresa, as regards her state of soul.
The first phase:
“On my bed at night I ought him whom my heart loves - I sought him but did not find him. I wil rise then and go about the city; in the streets and crossings I will seek him whom my heart loves. I sought him but did not find him.” Song, 3: 1-3
The second phase:
“My lover put his hand through the opening; my heart trembled within me, and I grew faint when he spoke… I opened to my lover - but my lover had departed and gone. I sought him but did not find him; I called to him but he did not answer me… “ Song, 5: 4-8
It is interesting now to see Mother Teresa on video, or to hear a recording of her talks, and to read her writings, knowing what we do about her trial of faith. What a beautiful example for everyone who suffers.
The loss of vocation.
If I remember correctly, Garrrigou-Lagrange wrote on how religious are often plunged into a purgative night of the senses soon after profession, since by their vows they have entered into the state of perfection. (He wrote at an earlier time, so I don’t know how this works in orders that have declined or deformed in observance and formation.)
I wondered if the loss of some vocations may have been due to this phase of spiritual life that is referred to as the “dark night of the soul”. Some souls may not have been prepared or lacked the courage to endure ‘the privations of the night’ - thus abandoning prayer, and ultimately leaving their vocation behind - like the foolish virgins who went off to find the oil of consolation elsewhere. I think that may have happened to some people I know.
