Every Christian who strives for holiness of life experiences dryness of soul. It is to most people a heart-rending experience. It is a paradox, for the soul becomes confused when it realizes the harder it strives the further away Jesus seems to be.

Mother Angelica’s quote speaks to the spiritual struggle many Christians experience when striving for holiness. She acknowledges that the pursuit of holiness often leads to a sense of dryness of soul, where individuals may feel emotionally or spiritually distant from God, even as they strive to grow closer to Him. This dryness refers to a feeling of emptiness or spiritual desolation, where the deeper connection to Jesus that one hopes for seems to be elusive. It reflects the challenge of remaining faithful and devoted when it feels like one’s efforts are not bringing the expected spiritual rewards.

The paradox mentioned in the quote lies in the fact that the more a person strives for holiness, the more they may feel that Jesus is distant or hard to reach. This experience can be confusing and disheartening, especially for those who are deeply committed to their faith. Mother Angelica highlights the internal confusion that arises when, despite a person's efforts and desire for growth, they feel further away from God rather than closer. This feeling can be heart-rending, creating a sense of spiritual frustration and isolation.

Despite the difficulty of this experience, Mother Angelica’s quote suggests that it is a common part of the Christian journey. Striving for holiness often involves periods of spiritual dryness, where faith must be lived out even without immediate emotional or spiritual affirmation. These periods of desolation can serve to deepen one’s trust in God and help to cultivate a more resilient and mature faith that is not based solely on feelings or external experiences but on a deep, inner commitment.

The origin of this quote comes from Mother Angelica, a Catholic nun and founder of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Throughout her life and work, Mother Angelica emphasized the importance of perseverance in the spiritual life, especially through moments of difficulty and dryness. Her teachings often focused on the idea that true holiness is a process, one that requires faith, prayer, and trust, even when God seems distant or silent. This quote reflects her deep understanding of the complexities of the Christian faith and the challenges of spiritual growth.