The reason why our master does not always allow us to hear his voice is because he wishes to be sought after. There is nothing he wants more than someone who has been attracted like the Magdalene and questions the whole of creation saying, ‘Where is my God.’ We must long for Jesus as the thirsty deer longs for living water.
A second reason is that we are kept humble. If we always enjoyed consolation, we would surely swell with pride—we who are nothing and worse—sinners. How good of the Lord not to throw us off but rather to support us in spite of all our faults.
Servant of God Augustine Mary of the Blessed Sacrament
Hermann Cohen
Various spiritual counsels
Tierney, T 2017, A Life of Hermann Cohen: From Franz Liszt to John of the Cross, Balboa Press, Bloomington, IN
Yes, excellent, as he always is. Reminds me of my favourite quotation of our Holy Father, which ends, “… And love is not tried by ease and satisfaction”.