Understanding the Dark Night of St. John of the Cross, pt. 1– Spiritual Desolation /w Fr. Gallagher

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Episode 7 – Understanding the Dark Night of St. John of the Cross, pt. 1

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Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the Dark Night as described by St. John of the Cross and how it differs from the experience of Spiritual Desolation. He also addresses the Dark Night metaphor and how it is used to describe some spiritual experiences that are not necessarily the same in meaning as that set forth by St. John of the Cross and how that can be confusing for some.

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From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits

The dark night, therefore, is an experience of infused contemplative prayer felt as painful because it is purifying; it prepares the person for greater union with God through higher states of infused contemplation. The difference between this purifying experience of prayer and the discouraging lies of spiritual desolation is evident.6 The first is a gift of God; the second is a trap of the enemy. By accepting the first, we grow; by rejecting the second, we grow.

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[samanthabarse]

So… I experienced both desolation and the dark night simultaneously! Thank you Lord for freedom!!! Thank you Lord for purification!!! Thank you for love beyond measure and comprehension ❤

[DianneWood]

I love Discerning Hearts. It is loaded with the most amazing talks and spiritual help. Discerning Hearts is there for everyone.

[sacredquestreno]

Having lived a long way into this and experienced the infused contemplation you mention, I'm grateful for your sensitive and well thought out presentation.

[irishcoffee]

May God continue to bless and keep my son. Husband and family in his loving care.
Thank you Discerning Hearts for you dedication 🙏🙏🙏

[lindaruss]

So glad I found this. Besides yourself, I only found Bishop Barron on this topic (dark night). I knew I could depend on a well-studied and understandable explanation from you Fr. Unfortunately, the New Agers have taken DNOS as their own, with all kinds of wonky definitions of it!! God bless u greatly Father. TY!

[rosavallejo]

Life changing, thank you Father Gallagher and your ministry.

[John-txgs]

Highly recommend his books. Very helpful.

[MichaelMurphy-zsgs]

I wish it would end, already! I did the steps with Fr. Broom. Nice... But still very down.

[siobhanmcneenan]

So the Dark Night is not a punishment?