"However greatly the soul itself labours, it cannot actively purify itself so as to be in the least degree prepared for the Divine union of perfection of love, if God takes not its hand and purges it not in that dark fire." St. John emphasizes that human effort alone is insufficient for achieving the deep purification required for divine union. Divine intervention is crucial in this process. This highlights the passive aspect of the 'dark night,' where God actively purges the soul, preparing it for a higher state of spiritual enlightenment and union. | St. John of the Cross | Dark Night of the Soul

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The Role of Divine Intervention in Spiritual Growth

"However greatly the soul itself labours, it cannot actively purify itself so as to be in the least degree prepared for the Divine union of perfection of love, if God takes not its hand and purges it not in that dark fire." St. John emphasizes that human effort alone is insufficient for achieving the deep purification required for divine union. Divine intervention is crucial in this process. This highlights the passive aspect of the 'dark night,' where God actively purges the soul, preparing it for a higher state of spiritual enlightenment and union.

-- St. John of the Cross