We need night vision. Night vision is the result of the purification of our senses and spirit. Night vision is discernment. Too many Catholics do not have it.
The Book of Jeremiah is the book for our times. Jeremiah gave many warnings to the Jewish people. He warned about the coming exile, but few listened.
He complained that his name was smeared among the people and that his words were scorned. God told the people that He was weary of wooing them.
Strong words. Jeremiah received joy in the acceptance of his role.
I am reminded of Matthew 22:1-14. The king called many to his marriage feast, but they were too busy, mostly with work, with business, to stop and celebrate. Then, the king destroyed those people and ordered his servants to go the the byways and highways and bring in beggars and street people.
One did not accept the wedding garment the king provided for all his guests. He refused to "change".
He was cast out into the darkness.
Note, darkness.
We are all about to be cast into a darkness which the earth has never seen before. The cries of aborted children cry out to God for vengeance. He is answering.
The parable ends with Christ stating this, "May are called, but few are chosen."
The chosen respond to God's Will, the listen to the Bridegroom, they beg Him not to stop wooing.
We shall need night vision. Are you preparing?
St, Bernard of Clairvaux called Lucifer the Nightbearer, the Deathbearer. The great Bernard also says that God rules over the children of obedience, while satan rules over "the sons of pride." But, as the saint notes, the saints go forward in darkness, in dishonor, following the way to God without faltering.
Can we do this? Can we avoid revolting against God, which is the sin of pride?
The fourth degree of humility as outlined by the Rule of St. Benedict and referred to by St. Bernard is something we must possess in the night to come. "The fourth degree of humility is that he hold to patience with a silent mind when in this obedience he meets with difficulties and contradictions and even any kind of injustice, enduring all without growing weary or running away."
I did not pass some tests on this level. Too often, I want to defend myself or cry out against an injustice. But, God is wanting me and you to learn a patience in the silence of our minds.
When we walk in the Night of Trials, in order not to make a habit of sinning, we must turn to the light. The light is God's Life in us, grace. Those who choose grace will live without sin or malice. Those who refuse grace will continue in the habits of sin. They have no fear, but neither does the person who trusts totally in God.
In the Night, we must cry out to God to take over where our weaknesses end. But, our natural strengths can get in the way as well. St. Bernard warns against relying on one's strengths, instead of relying totally on God.