Day 9- Martyrdom of the Soul

"When I am in this state of spiritual dryness, unable to pray or to practice virtue, I look for little opportunities for the smallest trifles to please Jesus, such as a smile, a kindly word when I would rather be silent....  If no such occasion offers itself, I try at least to say over and over again that I love Him."  ~St. Therese

Preparatory Prayer:

Dear St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, I thank the Most Holy Trinity for all the graces lavished upon you, and through you upon the world.  I have great confidence in your intercession, both because of your power in Heaven, since you yourself said that "God would refuse you nothing," and because of your goodness and your promise that "no one would invoke you without receiving answer, since you would "spend your Heaven in doing good upon earth" and "let fall from Heaven a shower of roses."  Intercede for me with the loving Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that the Holy Spirit may assist me to understand your teaching on "Joy in Suffering" and may grant me the gift of fortitude, that fired with a burning love of God and souls, I may eagerly follow you in joyous suffering and share in your glorious triumph.  I promise to show my heartfelt gratitude by doing whatever I can to promote your honor and to make you ever more widely known and loved throughout the world, for the greater glory of the Most Holy Trinity.  Amen.

Reflection:

What St. John of the cross called "The Dark Night of the Soul," was spiritual dryness.  It is when one cannot "feel" God's consolations in prayer or movements of the Holy Spirit in them.  Instead, they feel like they have been forgotten by God.  This spiritual dryness can come from what seems to be nowhere and for no good reason.  Although, in this darkened state- the soul grows immensely.  As St. Therese put it, its as if her Beloved Jesus is asleep, but she dares not wake him for she wants him to rest.  St. Therese also said, "How rarely do souls allow Him to sleep in peace!  Their good Master is so wearied with continually making fresh advances that He eagerly avails Himself of the repose I offer Him, and no doubt He will sleep on until my great and everlasting retreat;  but instead of being grieved at this, I am glad."  It is thought that St. Therese did experience this "dark night of the soul" until her death, and that the evil one would tempt her often with doubts of the existence of Heaven that she longed for.  The enemy never succeeded though- because St. Therese wasted no words on the evil one, but only ran to Jesus more and assured him of her love and faith.  If you are experiencing a dryness in your own spiritual life, don't resist this time while as it seems "Jesus is sleeping," but be hopeful in knowing that you will grow in this time and show our dear Lord just how much you love him- even when you don't feel it!

Prayer:

Dear St. Therese, thank you for giving us such a beautiful example of how to persevere through dryness in our spiritual life.  Pray for me to have the strength to show our dear Lord just how much I love Him by continuing to have faith- even when I don't feel His love.  I also recommend to you my special intentions in this Novena (Specify your intentions.)  To one who has suffered so much for Him, God will refuse nothing.

Our Father....  Hail Mary....  Glory Be....