Discourse 48

On the changes that the soul receives at all times: of light and of darkness. And the alternation of the old man between right and left. Look at yourself, my beloved, at the time of service and prayer. You have, as it were, a vision in the words of the chant and prayer: this comes from a profound silence. At the hour when you are in stillness, do not be disturbed. Especially if you have no cause. For it is divine idleness that does this, because the causes are known only to Him. For your soul is removed and becomes as if in a state of confusion. And whether it approaches the scripture or the service. And to everything it approaches: it takes darkness upon darkness and goes out. How many times it is not even permitted to approach. Not everyone believes this, that again it receives change and becomes in peace. But the fullness of this hour cuts off hope: and fear. And the hope of God and the confidence of faith to the end: are taken away from the soul. And the whole is filled with division: and fear. Those who practice in the confusion of this time: from experience they know the change that follows after it. God does not leave the soul a whole day in this. Otherwise it would perish from life: and from all hope of Christians.

but quickly it passes, and again that darkness returns. The changes are seen from its nature of life. But for you, O man, who have no power to clothe yourself and to fall upon your face in prayer, wrap your head in your cloak and sleep, until the hour of darkness passes from you. But do not go out from your cell. This remedy is applied, especially to those who wish to be guided by the discipline of the mind, and to the confusion that arises from faith, which disturbs their tranquility. For this reason, more than anything else, this hour of darkness troubles them, through the division of the mind. It is accompanied again by a gentle reproach. And there are times when even the relaxation from the standing vigil and the rest of the non-urgent matters that are remembered come. All these many times are in their remedy, and as the confusion of many is written. This is a sign: those who are guided only by bodily labors are completely removed from it. A clear cut comes upon them, which is evident to everyone. For he is distinguished by his works from these and from those like them. The cure for this is sought from silence. But this is its confusion. Through prayers, however, it never receives the light of confusion. But in the fullness of time, it is expanded. Afterward, however, it stands gently over him.

garment. For the man who is vigilant and strives in these [matters], it is necessary that he be troubled and kindled by them from time to time, not continuously. Blessed is he who endures with these [matters] within the door! For a great and mighty tranquility comes after these [matters], as the Fathers say. Yet this gift is not given all at once, nor does it come and settle in the soul fully by a single grace, but little by little—from this and from that—at a time of silence and at a time of prayer. From it something remains, even until the end. For the complete purification from it does not cease to be sought, nor is there a complete prayer. For thus God wills that the lives of his servants be exercised. And these [matters] are for those who walk the path.