The Night of Sense According to St. John of the Cross vs. The Night of Spirit

Attribute	The Night of Sense According to St. John of the Cross	The Night of Spirit
Definition	Dark night of the senses where the soul experiences a purification of the senses	Dark night of the spirit where the soul experiences a purification of the spirit
Focus	Primarily on the purification of the senses and detachment from sensory pleasures	Primarily on the purification of the spirit and detachment from spiritual consolations
Experience	Characterized by dryness, aridity, and a feeling of abandonment by God	Characterized by a deeper sense of emptiness, darkness, and detachment from spiritual experiences
Goal	To purify the soul from attachment to sensory pleasures and prepare it for union with God	To purify the soul from attachment to spiritual consolations and prepare it for deeper union with God

Introduction

St. John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and Carmelite friar, is known for his profound spiritual writings that explore the journey of the soul towards union with God. In his work, he describes two distinct stages of spiritual development known as the Night of Sense and the Night of Spirit. These stages are characterized by different attributes and experiences that the soul undergoes on its path towards divine union.

The Night of Sense

The Night of Sense, as described by St. John of the Cross, is a stage in the spiritual journey where the soul experiences a purification of the senses and desires. During this stage, the soul is stripped of its attachment to sensory pleasures and worldly distractions, leading to a sense of emptiness and darkness. The soul may feel abandoned by God and experience a deep longing for spiritual consolation. This stage is marked by a sense of spiritual dryness and a feeling of being lost in a dark night of the soul.

Attributes of the Night of Sense

• Purification of the senses and desires
• Detachment from sensory pleasures
• Feelings of emptiness and darkness
• Longing for spiritual consolation
• Spiritual dryness and a sense of being lost

The Night of Spirit

The Night of Spirit is a stage that follows the Night of Sense and represents a deeper purification of the soul. During this stage, the soul experiences a purification of the intellect, will, and memory, leading to a profound sense of spiritual emptiness and detachment. The soul may undergo intense spiritual trials and temptations, as it is stripped of all attachments and desires that hinder its union with God. This stage is marked by a profound sense of surrender and abandonment to the will of God.

Attributes of the Night of Spirit

• Purification of the intellect, will, and memory
• Deep sense of spiritual emptiness and detachment
• Intense spiritual trials and temptations
• Abandonment to the will of God
• Profound sense of surrender

Comparison of the Nights

While both the Night of Sense and the Night of Spirit involve a process of purification and detachment, they differ in the depth and intensity of the spiritual experiences they entail. The Night of Sense primarily focuses on the purification of the senses and desires, leading to a sense of emptiness and darkness. In contrast, the Night of Spirit involves a deeper purification of the intellect, will, and memory, resulting in a profound sense of spiritual emptiness and detachment.

Another key difference between the two stages is the nature of the spiritual trials and temptations that the soul undergoes. In the Night of Sense, the soul may experience feelings of abandonment and longing for spiritual consolation, while in the Night of Spirit, the soul faces intense spiritual trials that test its faith and commitment to God. The Night of Spirit requires a greater level of surrender and abandonment to the will of God, as the soul is stripped of all attachments and desires.

Despite these differences, both stages are essential in the spiritual journey towards union with God. The Night of Sense prepares the soul for the deeper purification of the Night of Spirit, by stripping away the attachments and distractions that hinder its union with God. The Night of Spirit, in turn, leads the soul to a profound sense of surrender and abandonment to the will of God, allowing for a deeper union and communion with the divine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Night of Sense and the Night of Spirit are two distinct stages in the spiritual journey towards union with God, as described by St. John of the Cross. While the Night of Sense focuses on the purification of the senses and desires, leading to a sense of emptiness and darkness, the Night of Spirit involves a deeper purification of the intellect, will, and memory, resulting in a profound sense of spiritual emptiness and detachment. Both stages are essential in the soul's journey towards divine union, as they lead to a deeper surrender and abandonment to the will of God.