An excellent remedy for life’s dramas, admiration raises our souls to love the benefits that the Lord has bestowed on others, which light up the dark night of our trials like so many stars.
Well known is St. John of the Cross’ Dark Night, in which he explains the process of purifying the imperfections of the soul, “preparing it for the union of love with God.”1 However, I do not think that the master of spiritual life will mind if, in these pages, instead of expounding on his sublime thought, we briefly consider a topic related to it.
The “dark night” described by the Carmelite mystic can appear terrible, like the punishment inflicted on the Egyptians: “darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt” (Ex 10:21). Even in these circumstances we need to maintain a serene, confident and steadfast state of mind, certain that those who hope for Heaven’s help will never be abandoned. This is what the Saint himself says: “God takes you by the hand and guides you in the dark as though you were blind”; and yet, “by walking in darkness, not only is the soul not lost, but it has rather greatly gained, for it is acquiring virtues.”2
But, no matter how clear the goal of the trial may be – complete union of love with the Lord – the means will always be arduous and laden with perplexities. How, then, to forge ahead in such a difficult situation?
When the sun has set and the majority of men rest to prepare for another day, a black veil envelops the firmament. Even if the shining moon does not show itself, the twinkling stars are always there, comforting those who behold them and indicating the right direction. Something similar occurs with the children of light during the dark night of the soul: for those who wish to tread the paths of virtue amidst the darkness of this world, admiring the qualities of others can serve as a consolation at the moment when anguish intensifies and tries to suffocate us.
Admiration gives us wings to fly over obstacles with ease, and even with pleasure. It is an excellent means for mitigating the dramas of life.
There are always – I repeat, always! – qualities to be admired in others. However, I refer especially to those whose examples lead us to sanctification. “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Dn 12:3). The very Word Incarnate, although beyond all comparison in His own humanity, did not hesitate to show His admiration for the generosity of the poor widow (cf. Mk 12:43-44; Lk 21:3-4), for the faith of the Roman centurion (cf. Mt 8:10; Lk 7:9) and for the uprightness of Nathanael (cf. Jn 1:47)…
“Stella a stella differt in claritate – for star differs from star in glory” (1 Cor 15:41). Once again, something analogous can be said of the human race. The Supreme Craftsman did not create all souls equal, but diverse, each one representing in a specific way one of His own perfections; thus they complete one another in harmony, forming a scene incomparably more beautiful than all the stars combined.
This is the unique and exclusive love of the Almighty for His children! Even though one may seem the most insignificant of mortals, incapable of any good work – and indeed, from the supernatural point of view, we all are! – yet, for Him, each one is a magnificent star, the receptacle of His infinite love!
Considering this divine benevolence towards our neighbour helps to ease the sufferings we must endure. In this manner, aware of our own limitations, at each station of our personal via crucis our eyes will more readily find God in our brothers and sisters. ◊
Notes
1 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS. Noche oscura. L.I, c.8, n.1. In: Obras. Burgos: El Monte Carmelo, 1929, t.II, p.386.
2 Idem, L.II, c.16, n.7, p.472; n.3, p.470.
