The Dark Night of the Soul and Hope

The dark night of the soul describes a spiritual change or crisis in the faith journey. This idea was taken from a very long poem written by St. John of the Cross in the 1500's. Philosophers and other religious writers have also written on this concept. Some people describe this crisis as losing faith while others experience it more as not being able to "get in touch" with their faith. Their faith is there but it kind of sits over to the side.

I have read a similar idea as expressed by David Brooks, a sociologist and Richard Rohr, a priest and religious writer. They both describe "living on the edge of the inside." They both describe groups of: 1. people who are in leadership (insiders) in organizations and churches, 2. people who are outsiders, and 3. those on the "edge of the inside." Although it sounds like these people might be wishy-washy, this is not what they are describing. They are describing people who recognize that their organizations or churches don't have all the answers for them and they become more fluid in their beliefs while not losing their faith. At times they become critical thinkers and integrate the faith from different perspectives. Richard Rohr actually names prophets in this group.

The lesson of these writings is that we are all fluid in our beliefs and faith. I would not be surprised if the pandemic influences our spiritual "place" now and then. Jesus' good news is that when we hold on to His Father's gift of love we move around in beliefs with an open heart and remain in His love. We may experience cleansing, healing, and growth in this movement and come to appreciate other's places of faith more. Hopefully we might be motivated by God's expansive love to be more open to sharing and listening to differences.

Perhaps we might be encouraged to suffer the wandering child in our own heart and hang in there for our own continual coming home - even when home looks a little different and continues to change. So as we go through the many emotions of isolation the dark night of the soul arises into a morning. Crucifixion arises into resurrection. Love yourself as God loves you and know that you are never locked into the final experience of faith. Faith dances!

Hebrews 11:1 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, 
the conviction of things not seen.