Chapter 16
The Stubborn Habits That Hold Us Back
Describes other imperfections which belong to these proficients. Many proficients at this time have still many of those habitual imperfections which must be removed before they can arrive at Divine union. Not only do they possess these imperfections, but they have grown so accustomed to them that they no longer even notice them. These are they who have already journeyed for some time along the road of virtue and have done great penances, kept long fasts, and performed many other exercises. Yet they have not perfectly subdued their natural desires, nor have they raised themselves to the heights of perfection.…
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Key Quotes & Analysis
"Many proficients at this time have still many of those habitual imperfections which must be removed before they can arrive at Divine union."
Context: Opening statement about why spiritual progress can stall
This reveals the core problem - that partial transformation can become a trap. People can make significant progress but still carry subtle flaws that prevent deeper growth. It's a warning against spiritual complacency.
In Today's Words:
John says many proficients still carry habitual imperfections that must go before divine union. Competence on the outside does not mean the work is finished. A trauma chaplain can be trusted on the unit yet still hide pride he no longer sees. In trauma chaplaincy Juan learns to stay present in the stripping without rebuilding
"Not only do they possess these imperfections, but they have grown so accustomed to them that they no longer even notice them."
Context: Why proficient souls remain stuck
Familiar flaws become invisible, which is why purgation must come from God.
In Today's Words:
John says they not only keep these imperfections but have grown so used to them they no longer notice. Blind spots survive because they feel like personality. Ask someone who sees you on your worst days what pattern you keep defending. This is not abstract mysticism but the felt collision between divine purging and human
"they have not perfectly subdued their natural desires, nor have they raised themselves to the heights of perfection."
Context: Limits of proficient souls despite penances
Exercise without full subdual of desire leaves union unreachable.
In Today's Words:
John says they have not perfectly subdued natural desires nor risen to perfection despite penances and fasts. Track record is not arrival. The next level may require darkness, not another discipline streak. Juan the hospital chaplain sees the same pattern when consolation ends and the soul must learn patience without feeling chosen.
"it becomes necessary that God should purge them and make them dark, so that He may bring them into the Divine light of the perfect union of love."
Context: Why God intervenes with darkness
Dark purgation precedes union when self-awareness fails.
In Today's Words:
John says God must purge proficients and make them dark to bring them into divine light and perfect union of love. When success blinds you, darkness is not regression but the surgery that opens union you cannot reach while flattering yourself. John maps this for beginners who mistake dryness for failure instead of purgation ordered
Thematic Threads
Pride
In This Chapter
Spiritual achievers become blind to their remaining flaws because past success has inflated their self-image
Development
Evolved from earlier discussions of beginner's pride to show how pride adapts and survives even serious spiritual progress
In Your Life:
You might resist feedback in areas where you've built a reputation for competence.
Identity
In This Chapter
People define themselves by their spiritual achievements, making it threatening to acknowledge areas still needing work
Development
Shows how identity formation around spiritual progress can become its own obstacle
In Your Life:
You might avoid challenges that could threaten your self-image as someone who 'has it together.'
Growth
In This Chapter
Real progress requires dismantling the very achievements that gave us confidence, creating apparent regression
Development
Deepens the theme that spiritual growth is non-linear and often counterintuitive
In Your Life:
You might need to get uncomfortable with not knowing in order to learn what you don't know you don't know.
Deception
In This Chapter
Natural desires and ego motivations disguise themselves as spiritual virtues in advanced practitioners
Development
Shows how self-deception becomes more sophisticated as people progress spiritually
In Your Life:
You might rationalize selfish motivations by dressing them up as noble principles.
Class
In This Chapter
Spiritual achievers develop a sense of superiority over beginners, creating internal hierarchy
Development
Introduces the idea that spiritual progress can create its own class system
In Your Life:
You might look down on people who haven't reached your level of understanding or achievement.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
What habitual problem do proficients still carry according to John?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
Habitual imperfections they no longer notice, which must be removed before divine union.
- 2
Why have penances and fasts not brought proficients to perfection?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
They have not perfectly subdued natural desires nor risen to the heights of perfection.
- 3
Where do you stop noticing a flaw because you are good at the surrounding work?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Name an area where competence makes you dismiss feedback others still see.
- 4
How could God's purging feel like darkness rather than punishment?
application • deepOne way to read it
John says God makes them dark to bring them into divine light of perfect union of love.
- 5
What would it mean to welcome purgation after years of visible virtue?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Accept that unnoticed imperfections require God's dark purging, not more self-congratulation.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Success Blind Spots
Think of an area where you've achieved some success - at work, in relationships, or a skill you've developed. Write down three things people regularly compliment you on in this area. Now honestly identify one weakness you might be overlooking because of your reputation for competence. Consider how your success might be preventing you from seeing where you could still improve.
Consider:
- •Look for areas where you get defensive when given feedback
- •Notice when you think 'I shouldn't have to learn this' or 'I've earned the right to...'
- •Consider what skills got you to your current level versus what skills you need for the next level
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when your past success made it harder to admit you needed to learn something new. How did you eventually break through that barrier, or what's still holding you back?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 17: Two Stages of Spiritual Struggle
Saint John will explore the specific nature of this divine intervention and why God allows devoted souls to experience what feels like abandonment and confusion.
