Yes, so quickly that time has rolled around again. After this little lesson, I'll probably ask my group to take a look at the first portion of Dark Night of the Soul because it very effectively lists the traps and pitfalls of beginners in prayer.
Ascent of Mount Carmel VII The Pane of Glass and the LightRead Book II Chapters 5-6 (pgs. 162-168)
Chapter 5
1-2. What does John of the Cross imply about the state of Union with God?
Read the footnote carefully. What are the chief distinctions of Union? (If you wish to understand this better, read pages 576-577, 641-642, and 713-715; however, it is not necessary to do so.)3. What is substantial union? Why is it important? What is the Union of Likeness? How does one achieve it?
4. What is the importance of ridding oneself of creatures?6. Explain what St. John of the Cross means by the Light and the pane of glass.
What does it imply about the necessity for detachment and purification?7. How do we best describe the transformation of the soul in union with God?
8-9. What is the necessary preparation for union? What does St. John mean by his example of the painting?
10-11. Are all states of union the same? On what is any degree of union based? What happens to those who do not reach the purity the are capable of?
Chapter 6
1-4 How are the three faculties related to the theological virtues? What does each virtue do to each faculty?6-8. What must we do to each of the faculties? Why?
