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Go backward to Stages of Spiritual Growth in John's
System
Go up to CHAPTER THREE
John's Vision of the
Spiritual Life
Go forward to Guided by a Saint
Some of those who could otherwise make the journey hamper God by their resistance; "they do not want to enter the dark night or allow themselves to be placed in it" (A, Prologue, 3). Others misunderstand what is happening to them and are harmed by unenlightened spiritual directors (A, Prologue, 4), or encumbered by attachment to consolations they receive (A, Prologue, 7).
Those who are ready for this journey have reached a new level of awareness about themselves and their relationship to God. 46 While feeling grateful and indebted to God, these individuals may feel "that God is angry and hidden" (C, 1, 1); yet they wish to search for God. It is no use beginning this journey unless the seeker really wants the union to which it leads. Such a one longs for union, and with "longings of love" "complains" of God's absence (C, 1, 2). The journey will require a deep longing for Christ, a strong determination, linked with enthusiasm, not stubbornness; this will lead to genuine happiness ((N, 1, Explanation, 2).
Human and religious growth requires a long time of slow maturing, and one of the key qualities needed in the journey up the mountain is patience. 47 Those who lack this virtue "grow angry with themselves in an unhumble impatience. So impatient are they about these imperfections that they want to become saints in a day" (N, 1, 5, 3). However, the required patience should not be separated from another essential virtue for this arduous journey, namely, a sense of urgency. In a passage that shows both his experience with many directees and his sense of humor, John says, "[Many beginners] do not have the patience to wait until God gives them what they need, when he so desires.... Some, however, are so patient about their desire for advancement that God would prefer to see them a little less so" (ibid.).
Thus, there are two indispensable attitudes that at first seem opposed; it is important to progress, and it is irresponsible to prolong unvirtuous patience. However, a searcher needs to patiently continue making an effort with steady enthusiasm even when apparently not getting anywhere. We can join together these two necessary and complementary qualities into one virtue for the journey, "patient- urgency." We need patience because the journey is long, but a mere patient acceptance of the passing of time is inadequate and will produce no magical effect. Rather, patience needs to be complemented by daily effort.
A key requirement for the journey is the use of means suitable for each stage. Once these means are identified by personal discernment or spiritual direction, we should persevere in their use. However, we can never become attached to the means themselves, a failing typical of those who journey along the wide paths of earthly or heavenly goods. Apparently spiritual practices can become the greatest self- deception of all, and even the best means can be absolutized and made into idols, thereby stunting further growth. Thus, the persevering use of suitable means must be complemented by flexibility in changing means when such a change becomes appropriate. Perseverance and flexibility are not mutually exclusive, but rather another bipolar attitude for the journey.
The difficult journey to the mountaintop of union involves purification from all that hinders union.48 Those who journey must purify their selfish unwillingness to enter the night, and their fervent craving for success in the journey. Reading John helps us realize we can be attached to anything, including our own progress, experiences, consolations, motivations, holy desires, and even our spirit of sacrifice. All must be purified, for this journey requires "indifference," emptiness, openness to whatever God wants of us. Seekers thereby, "in peace and tranquility, continue to advance well" (A, Prologue, 7).
Once seekers have become aware of new relationships between themselves and God, and courageously and patiently commit themselves to journey to the mountaintop, they must learn to accept the human- divine reality that the narrow path of the nadas is the only road to the goal. So many Christians will try anything before what they know in their hearts is the one path guaranteed to lead to union. Many who seek alternatives carry in their hearts the nagging conviction that John is probably right.
The journey is frightening at times, and can be dreadful. However, searchers should know that they are not the main protagonist in this drama; God is. Strictly speaking, we do not journey by our own efforts to union with God. Rather, God in love and compassion draws us through the nights to a share in the divine life. Even in the dreadful moments that the journey may offer, we are not lost, or wandering aimlessly, but God is drawing us ever onward. This can be encouraging to individuals in their painful struggles.
Awareness of God's challenge, together with patience and urgency, perseverance and flexibility regarding means, constancy in accepting the sacrifices entailed in journeying along the narrow path, and unflinching desire for union, ready a person for this arduous climb. Faith will be challenged, but only persevering love will enable a person to endure the hardships of the journey. Laying aside superficial spiritualities with their shallow optimism and mediocre challenge, seekers who accept John's rigorous redirection of life to God will feel the exhilaration of arriving at the top and looking back over the extraordinary beauty of the climb they have made.