Leading Up to The Spiritual Marriage

Moving out of the Dark Night is noted by St. John of the Cross as the time of betrothal of the spiritual marriage. He is clear that the long Dark Night purges one of the smallest imperfections, so that one is emptied of evil. A new strength comes into the person, and St. David’s psalm, 59, reveals this stage. “I will keep my strength for you.”

No longer is the person concerned about anything but God and His Perfect Will. All longings and desires have become totally focused on God Alone. This transition is, however, not yet the Unitive State, but the Illuminative State.

Some of the signs of the Illuminative State follow:

off and on raptures or ecstasies;

infused knowledge of God, especially His attributes;

peace;

an overflowing of the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit, now completely freed from sin and imperfections;

a great awareness that God’s Power is mightier than all other powers-in other words, No Fear;

God is now all things for the soul, the soul rests in God;

a wounding of God’s Love, yet unfilled.

One can see why St. John of the Cross refers to this time as the betrothal or engagement period of the bride, which is the soul. In a time of engagement, one feels this type of flow of love and power, good will and virtue. Most people who have become engaged note that these attributes carry one into a peace about the coming marriage. The fiancé is all in all, and nothing else matters. One is wounded by love and can hardly wait for love’s fulfillment.

Many times, a new confidence enters into a woman in the time of engagement.  Many young women feel very alive and bask in the love of the other during this time. A humility at being loved is a sign of a virtuous woman during engagement.

Nothing will satisfy the soul except God, just as nothing will satisfy the bride-to-be but the fiancé.

God is preparing the soul for complete union, at least as complete as it can be experience on earth.

In the Illuminative State, a new power for good explodes and affects the Church. Such saints as SS. Benedict, Francis, Francis de Sales, Dominic and others would have started their orders which have lasted so long, at the period of Illumination.

The end of the passive purgation is also experienced. And, like a lover, the soul asks for complete union.

To be continued….