Chapter 17
Two Stages of Spiritual Struggle
Annotation for that which follows. Before we treat of the dark night of the spirit, it will be well to note here one thing which will make clear when this night begins and when that of sense ends. For, although in a certain way they are both one night divided into two parts, yet the first part of it, which is that of sense, is common and comes to many, while the second part, which is that of the spirit, comes to the very few. The night and purgation of sense is bitter and terrible to sense; but, as we…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The night and purgation of sense is bitter and terrible to sense; but this second part, which is that of the spirit, bears no comparison with it, for it is horrible and awful to the spirit."
Context: He's preparing readers for the intensity difference between surface-level and deep spiritual work.
This quote establishes that spiritual growth isn't linear or gentle. Saint John is being brutally honest that deeper transformation is exponentially more difficult than surface changes. He uses strong words like 'horrible and awful' not to scare people away, but to prepare them mentally.
In Today's Words:
John says the night of sense is bitter and terrible to sense, but the night of spirit is horrible and awful beyond comparison. If losing consolation felt brutal, spirit's purgation will feel like another order of difficulty. Name the phase so you do not mistake depth for failure.
"the first part of it, which is that of sense, is common and comes to many, while the second part, which is that of the spirit, comes to the very few."
Context: Distinguishing who experiences each night
Sense is widespread; spirit's night is rare.
In Today's Words:
John says the night of sense comes to many while the night of spirit comes to very few. Most people stop after correcting appetite and feeling. Few stay for purgation that reaches the spirit itself. Juan the hospital chaplain sees the same pattern when consolation ends and the soul must learn patience without feeling chosen.
"although in a certain way they are both one night divided into two parts, yet the first part of it, which is that of sense, is common and comes to many"
Context: Unity and division of the one night
Two parts, one night; sense precedes spirit.
In Today's Words:
John calls them one night in two parts, though sense is common and spirit rare. Your first dryness was not the whole journey. The threshold you cross now is continuous with what began in sense but not identical to it. John maps this for beginners who mistake dryness for failure instead of purgation ordered toward
"Before we treat of the dark night of the spirit, it will be well to note here one thing which will make clear when this night begins and when that of sense ends."
Context: Annotation before spirit's night
John pauses to mark the boundary between nights.
In Today's Words:
John stops to show when the night of spirit begins and the night of sense ends. Transitions need markers. If chaplaincy felt hard before, this annotation warns the deeper night has its own rules and intensity. The line still applies when you want instant transformation but God works on a timeline you cannot command or
Thematic Threads
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Saint John maps two distinct phases of spiritual development, warning that deeper transformation is exponentially more difficult than surface changes
Development
Evolving from general discussion of spiritual dryness to specific stages of identity reconstruction
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when career advancement or relationship deepening suddenly feels impossibly difficult despite previous success
Identity
In This Chapter
The chapter reveals that true transformation requires dismantling core beliefs about who we are, not just changing behaviors
Development
Building on earlier themes of losing familiar spiritual comforts to address fundamental self-concept
In Your Life:
You might experience this when success or major life changes force you to question everything you thought you knew about yourself
Class
In This Chapter
Saint John distinguishes between common spiritual experiences and the rare, intense transformation available to few
Development
Introduced here as spiritual class distinction—most experience surface change, few access deeper transformation
In Your Life:
You might notice how certain levels of personal development seem accessible only to those with resources, time, or support systems
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The text challenges expectations that spiritual growth should be linear and manageable, preparing readers for intense upheaval
Development
Introduced here as warning against underestimating the difficulty of authentic transformation
In Your Life:
You might feel pressure to make change look easy when actually you're going through profound identity reconstruction
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Saint John's role shifts from teacher to preparation guide, modeling how to support others facing difficult transformation
Development
Evolving from instructional to preparatory, showing care through honest warning rather than false comfort
In Your Life:
You might need to help friends or family understand that your major life changes will be messier and more intense than they expect
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
How are the night of sense and night of spirit related?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
In a certain way they are one night divided into two parts.
- 2
Who typically experiences each part of the night?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Sense comes to many; spirit comes to the very few.
- 3
How does John compare the pain of the two nights?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Sense is bitter and terrible to sense; spirit is horrible and awful to spirit beyond comparison.
- 4
When have you mistaken an early hard season for the whole journey?
application • deepOne way to read it
Name a time first-phase change felt complete until deeper work began.
- 5
Why does John annotate this boundary before treating spirit's night?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
To make clear when spirit's night begins and sense's night ends so souls are not blindsided.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Growth Phases
Think of an area where you're currently growing or need to grow - your career, relationships, health, or personal habits. Draw two columns: 'Phase 1: Surface Changes' and 'Phase 2: Deep Changes.' List what each phase would actually require you to give up or transform. Be brutally honest about what the deeper phase would demand of your identity, beliefs, or lifestyle.
Consider:
- •Phase 1 changes usually involve behavior modification while keeping your core identity intact
- •Phase 2 changes typically require questioning fundamental beliefs about yourself or your worth
- •Most people underestimate Phase 2 because they judge the whole journey by Phase 1 difficulty
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you thought you'd completed a major change, only to discover there was a much deeper level of transformation required. What caught you off guard, and how did you handle the unexpected intensity?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 18: The Dark Journey Begins
Having prepared us for what's coming, Saint John will now dive into the specifics of this second, more intense phase of spiritual transformation. He'll explain exactly what makes this deeper journey so much more challenging than anything we've experienced before.
