Mansion Of The Heart Chapter 9 Analysis

In Chapter 9 in Mansion of the Heart, “John of the Cross insists that these Dark Nights are not optional; nor may they be avoided if we are to grow in relationship to God, beyond a certain point” (Ashbrook, p.165-166) In reference to agreeing to his claim, I could personally relate deeply to the topic. Though the experiences of the Dark Night are often rough and unpleasant, the Dark Nights ultimately lead us to be closer to God. The symptoms of the Dark Night can make many feel they have done wrong, but that is truly not the reason or intent of the purpose. “They are created by God as an essential part of our pilgrimage, occurring in the more mature years of Christian journey toward a union of love with Him.”(Ashbrook, 2009, p. 150) The Dark Nights are not optional if we are desiring a deeper relationship with God. Personally, my sufferings have led to burdens of the heart, but trusting God in the midst of the trial formulated inner light to the Dark Nights.
Luke 22:44 states, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (New International Version) Jesus’ Dark Nights occurred up to the very last of him living, the son of God experienced Dark Nights. Striped, beat and bleeding until unrecognizable, then hung on the cross to die is where Jesus encountered suffering. Psalm 22:1 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (New International Version) Though this Dark Night encounter was darker than anything that anyone would ever experience it was a spiritual breakthrough for all