This is an important and timely reflection that offers our readers a solid theological and psychological framework to understand a number of significant issues that befall many of us in the mid-life phase of our earthly journey. Throughout the chapters of this book, we trust that the teachings on the beginning of contemplation with its three signs that authenticate it as a God-given gift, will reassure our readers when they resonate with the explanations. Crossing the threshold into contemplation is accompanied by an experience of the dark night of the senses. Here also, we will name the three signs and the three storms that authenticate a dark night experience. We hope that these teachings will provide solid spiritual guidance in the dark night experiences of our readers. We believe that this knowledge is needed with a particular urgency in our own time, not only for individuals seeking guidance for a way through the night, but also for mature seekers and spiritual directors. We are all striving to integrate our contemplative lifestyles with authentic, social commitment and engagement with the world… even as it goes through a ‘dark night’ journey. In our writings, we place together the classic wisdom of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) with contemporary authors (1980-2018) to bring a fresh understanding to a commonplace experience of dark night, or impasse, as it may be called today. About the Authors: In the early 1980’s, Rosemary O’Toole, CSJ spent three years living at Lebh Shomea House of Prayer in Sarita, Texas. This was a graced time to integrate and deepen her personal experience of undergoing a dark night of the soul. She returned to Ottawa, Canada in 1984 and along with Sr. Evelyn McGovern began The Upper Room Home of Prayer ministry. Soon persons from all walks of life came for on-going spiritual direction, retreats and programs in spirituality. Many directees spoke of experiences that Sr. Rosemary discerned as signs indicating they were receiving the gift of contemplation and at the same time, they were undergoing struggles that were discernible as dark night of the soul graces. In 2004, The Upper Room released a CD on this theme, called ‘Infinitely more…’ This book was prepared by Margarett Gillis, Sarah Wayne, Rev. Marilyn Savage, Elizabeth Charbonneau, Fay Barber and Rosemary O’Toole CSJ to encourage a more conscious, contemplative living among the lay faithful.
