Because the light and wisdom of this contemplation is most bright and pure, the soul which it assails is dark and impure in relation to the glory and holiness of its presence.  The pain of this impurity is immense as it works to expel the impurities and the soul feels itself miserable to the point where it believes that God is against it.  The pain is intensified as it seems that it will forever be unworthy of God.  This is caused by the profound immersion of its spirit in the knowledge and realization of its evils and miseries.

The other way in which the soul suffers is by reason of its weaknesses: natural, moral and spiritual.  This is so darkening that the agony of the soul would find advantage and relief in death.

These are the miseries of Job and of course his companions (“friends”) are of no help, hope or health to his soul.  This is often the occasion of the Psalmist and is without a doubt the passage way of the the Human One, known as Jesus, the Messiah.

Once again this is a way of life for very few, but be sure of this…this is what offers life to the rest of the world.  “Death works in me, so life works in you.” -St Paul