In this episode, Andrew and Mike dive into St. John of the Cross’s teaching on the “dark night”— how dryness and emptiness can be the way of deepening love and union with the divine. Through personal stories and pastoral insight, they unpack the difference between active efforts and passive purifications, how to endure when praying feels numb, and practical ways to stay the course —examen, simple obedience, and quiet service—even in the darkness. Book II chapters 1-3 00:00 Introduction to The Dark Night Podcast02:43 Personal Reflections and Challenges03:13 The Concept of Fortitude11:01 The Spiritual Journey of Hafiz20:35 Reconciling Hardship and Divine Love32:30 Exploring the Appeal of Mysticism38:09 The Journey from Communication to Communion43:43 Endurance and the Dark Night of the Soul48:05 The Role of Pain and Suffering in Spiritual Growth55:07 The Importance of Endurance and Recognition01:04:44 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsRelated LinksDark Night Project: www.darknightlive.comNemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com