St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic, wrote about the soul’s journey to God through a process called purgation—a purification that prepares us to love God fully. His ideas, found in books like The Dark Night of the Soul, can feel complex, but they offer deep wisdom for anyone seeking a closer relationship with God. Below, we answer common questions about purgation, including how it feels and whether it follows a set path, in simple terms.
1. What is purgation according to St. John of the Cross?
Answer: Purgation is the process of cleaning the soul from attachments—like love for material things, pleasures, or even spiritual feelings—so it can be united with God. St. John says our souls are like gold with impurities; purgation is God’s way of burning away those impurities so we can love Him purely. It happens through our efforts (active purgation) and God’s work in us (passive purgation), often through struggles or spiritual dryness.
2. What are the “passive purgation of the senses” and “passive purgation of the spirit”?
Answer: These are two stages where God purifies the soul, but they focus on different parts:
- Passive Purgation of the Senses: God cleans the part of you that loves physical or emotional comforts, like enjoying food, fun, or even warm feelings in prayer.
- Passive Purgation of the Spirit: God purifies your deeper self—your thoughts, will, and spiritual desires—removing things like pride or wanting to feel “holy.”
In both, God works directly, often making you feel like He’s far away, but it’s His love shaping you.
3. How do the passive purgation of the senses and the passive purgation of the spirit feel different?
Answer: Both involve feeling “dry” in your spiritual life, like God is gone, but they’re different in how they hit you:
- Purgation of the Senses: You feel bored or empty in prayer. Things that used to make you feel close to God, like singing hymns or reading the Bible, feel flat. You might notice you’re chasing comforts—like snacks or TV—to fill the gap. It’s frustrating, but it’s about surface-level stuff.
- Purgation of the Spirit: This is much heavier. You feel totally lost, like God has abandoned you completely. You might doubt your faith or feel like a spiritual failure, seeing all your flaws in a harsh light. It’s like your whole sense of who you are is being undone.
Think of the sensory purgation as losing the “good vibes” of faith, while the spiritual purgation feels like your soul is in a dark, empty void, but it’s preparing you for a deeper love for God.
4. Do these purgation stages always happen one after the other, or can you go back to an earlier stage?
Answer: St. John says the journey to God usually moves forward, with the purgation of the senses happening before the purgation of the spirit, like steps up a ladder. First, God helps you let go of earthly attachments, then He works on your deeper spiritual flaws. But it’s not always a straight line:
- You might slip back into old habits, like craving comforts, if you’re not careful.
- God might bring back sensory struggles to finish purifying you before moving to the spiritual stage.
- Everyone’s journey is unique, so some people might face both at once or revisit earlier challenges.
Think of it like climbing a mountain: you generally go up, but you might slip or pause to retrace a step. Trust God’s timing and keep going.
5. Why does purgation feel so hard, like God is gone?
Answer: Purgation feels tough because God is purifying you by taking away things you lean on—like good feelings in prayer or confidence in yourself. When it feels like God is gone, St. John says He’s actually closer than ever, working deep in your soul. It’s like a parent teaching a child to walk by letting go for a moment—you feel wobbly, but it’s to help you grow stronger in loving God for Himself, not for the “good stuff” He gives.
6. How can I tell if I’m going through a dark night or just struggling spiritually?
Answer: It’s tricky, but here’s a simple guide:
- Dark Night (Purgation): You feel dry or distant from God, but you still want to pray and love Him, even if it’s hard. You might feel stuck but sense God is doing something deeper.
- Spiritual Struggle: You might feel far from God because you’re distracted, sinning, or not trying in your faith. You’re less interested in prayer or God.
St. John says to talk to a trusted priest or spiritual director. They can help you figure out if it’s a dark night or something else, like depression or laziness.
7. What should I do if I’m in a dark night of purgation?
Answer: St. John gives practical tips to keep going:
- Keep Praying: Even if it feels empty, show up for prayer or Mass. God is working even if you don’t feel it.
- Trust God: Believe this dryness is God’s love purifying you, not a punishment.
- Stay Simple: Avoid chasing distractions or overthinking. Focus on small acts of love for God.
- Get Help: Talk to a spiritual director or wise friend to guide you.
- Be Patient: The dark night won’t last forever—God is preparing you for something beautiful.
It’s like enduring a tough workout: it’s hard, but it’s making you stronger.
8. Can everyone expect to go through these purgations, or are they just for saints?
Answer: St. John wrote for anyone serious about loving God fully, not just super-holy people. Not everyone will experience intense dark nights, but most people seeking God face some form of purgation—times when faith feels dry or God seems far. It’s part of growing closer to Him. If you’re trying to live for God, expect some purifying moments, but they’ll look different for each person.
9. How do I know when purgation is over?
Answer: You might notice purgation is easing when you feel a new peace, a deeper love for God, or less need for worldly things or spiritual “highs.” Prayer might feel richer, or you might sense God’s presence more. But St. John says not to focus on “arriving”—just keep trusting God. The goal isn’t a specific feeling but a heart that loves God purely. A spiritual director can help you see where you’re at.
10. How does purgation lead to union with God?
Answer: Purgation cleans your soul of everything that blocks God’s love—whether it’s love for stuff, pride, or even wanting to feel good in prayer. By letting go of these, your heart becomes like a clear glass that God’s light can shine through. St. John says this leads to union with God, where you love Him fully and live in His peace, even in tough times. It’s like becoming best friends with God, where nothing else matters as much.
Vox Divini 