The Honeymoon is Over

It finally happened. That wonderful honeymoon period - you know, the time when nothing seems to effect the joy and peace that radiates in your soul - after my silent retreat is over :( Thus it is time to enter into that time of spiritual dryness, where everything good is a struggle. Hopefully I learned enough during the retreat to make it more bearable, but that remains to be seen. So it was with great joy that I came across this wonderful meditation by Venerable Concepcion Cabrera De Armida, also known more simply as Conchita. Conchita was a wife, mother and writer who lived in Mexico. She had this to say about spiritual dryness:

"Do not be surprised at your spirit's state; it is only natural that after a period of fervor you experience some disturbances, but do not pay attention to them. Obey, close your eyes, and hold the cross tightly; the one who obeys will obtain victory. Spiritual life is made up of desolations and consolations, and Saint Ignatius says that the right thing to do during desolation is to make no changes, and in a time of consolation not to cling too steadfastly to it, but to strengthen yourself for the next period of desolation.

Do not fear; these are clouds that must cross the sky of your soul; they are hurricanes that test the roots of the trees; it is summer and summers are harsh, dry, unpleasant and arid, but happy is the one who goes through them embracing the cross and letting Jesus ripen the fruit of the tree in his heart...

Let yourself be molded, let the tempest rage without disturbing you, let the temptation pass and it will PASS AWAY, do not doubt it, leaving merits in your soul...Close your eyes and let the Lord accomplish his will: take each day as it comes, and move ahead. Do not see enemies everywhere, so that if and when they should arrive, the Lord will have softened them up for you. Do not lose time as satan wants, but offer everything up for the good of the works of the cross."

What wonderful words of "consolation" to remember during a time of desolation. So, for all of you who find yourself currently in a time of spiritual dryness, hope this helps.

God Bless!