How strange it is that those of us who are trying to conform our wills to that of God's find ourselves at the edges of society.
This is part of the pain of the pursuit of love.
Few understand this.
Even those of Christ's day did not understand His message of service and humility.
But, Christ is very clear that those seeking the sophisticated, clever life will not make it to heaven.
He says this, not me.
And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
More and more people write to me saying they are isolated in their parishes, communities, families.
This is the pain of following Christ seriously.
There is no easy way around this. One cannot make a goal on the outside of the soccer net. The ball must go into the net. So, too, with the life of holiness.
One cannot skip the rules or the stages of purgation.
The Dark Night cannot be avoided accept at the peril of one's own salvation.
Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
My own struggle is that I have never had the luxury to depend on another person. I have had to make it the hard way as a single mum, as a single person. Those of us having to be independent and rely on ourselves must die to that self-reliance, which is a good thing, but stands in the way of perfection.
The old habits must die in order for something new to begin. I share this insight as I know I am not the only person who has had the experience of having to be self-reliant for years and years. But, God has a better idea. He calls us to be completely reliant on Him Alone.
However, God is the Person Who has looked after us. He has been in charge of every detail.
It is only in the Dark Night, when one sees the false self-reliance and fear of love, that God meets one.
The world will never help one in this journey and, in fact, discourages one with false wisdom.
To become a child is to trust completely in God. To seek the kingdom of God first is to forget about self entirely.
God bless those of you who are in the Dark Night. Persevere. Do not be afraid.