Not sure if this is the correct place to put this post, but I was curious if anyone who has read this beautiful Canticle of Holy Scripture would recommend it to those who have not undergone a divine purgation of the senses?

In Haydock's Commentary for the Douay-Rheims I found:

With what humility ought we not, therefore, to read this most perfect and mystical canticle, as the sentiments of spiritual love are expressed in the same words as that of worldlings, and we are more inclined to follow our own judgment and carnal notions!  -Worthington --- None, therefore, should dare to peruse this work, who has not mastered his passions, having his conversation in heaven.  -Haydock

I wasn't sure if a purgation such as the dark night was what Haydock was referring to in the above quote. Thus, I was wondering if your all's advice would be to steer clear of this work - exquisite as it is - until one reaches Union with God or at least has advanced many years in the devout life.

Thank you and may God keep you!

There is ALWAYS safety in submitting yourself to the authority and direction of a competent spiritual director.

Spiritual formation is something that has been lacking for many years, even among those who claim to be traditional Catholics.

There's a lot of arguing and wrangling and so on, but very little is ever said about daily prayer, regular confession, spiritual disciplines and/or the mortification of one's flesh.

If it were not for the fact that their cases are demonstrably proven to be solid, many professing traditional Catholics would be no better than the Protestants, whose entire movement is predicated upon intellectual arguments, legalistic self-determinism and forensic 'justification' based on passages in Scripture which they have no authority to interpret. Neither, of course, do they have any authority over them which can define interpretation.

The biggest fallacy in this age is that of the Protestants, who routinely represent themselves and others as 'pastors' and even 'bishops' and then equally routinely reject those bearing such titles and go on to form new groups with new 'pastors', etc.

All that, friend, to say this: Don't, whatever you do, attempt to take the writings of the Apostles and prophets, which were infallibly inspired by God the Holy Ghost, and read them at random without the anchor of a spiritual director WHO KNOWS YOU, YOUR PERSONAL HABITS AND TEMPTATIONS and YOUR PERSONALITY, which are crucial elements in being able to recommend studies in Scripture or theology.

YES, all the information in Scripture is there for you, but neither two-year-olds nor invalids can handle spicy foods or rich sauces, if you understand the analogy. Make sure you have a spiritual DOCTOR to create a balanced, healthy diet of Holy Writ for you, and don't disregard the necessity of prayer before and after you read what you have been instructed to.

Be assured of our prayers for you as you seek to grow in God's graces.

St. Robert Bellarmine, pray for us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, triumph soon.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.