A Path Through . . .

(Found here ) “In addition to these times of consolation, periods of desolation must be reckoned with. This is the stumbling block to the majority of fervent souls. It is necessary to know the methods that God usually employs when He raises the soul to the way of perfection. At the commencement, He loads it with favors. This is in order to give it an idea of what He is, to free it from the bondage of the visible world, and to enable it to appreciate the invisible world. He is lavish with His favors, draws the soul to Him with many consolations, and sets it on fire with burning love and the longing to continue the converse that has been interrupted. The soul feels the attraction. And how should it not be glad to be in such sweet company? The words of St. Peter on the mount of the Transfiguration rise spontaneously to our lips: ‘Master, it is good for us be here.’ Then suddenly everything changes. Sensible devotion in prayer, after having lasted for a long or short period, comes to an en...