In the Gospel, when Jesus fell asleep in the boat (Mt 8:24; Mk 4:38), he was still with his disciples. He was there. This is a lot like the experience of dryness in prayer, or a “dark night of the soul”, or any kind of spiritual suffering in general. Jesus is “asleep”, we feel. This image is picked up by Marcel Văn. In his Autobiography, Marcel ascribes to Thérèse these words:

While you will be subjected to this storm in your heart, Jesus will continue to live in the bark of your soul and there, although sleeping, he will not stop loving you and will help you to fight against the storm. Don’t worry when you see a drought take a firm hold in your heart. Remain convinced that this is evidence of your deep love for Jesus, since it is by love that you put up with this suffering while ardently longing for his coming.

Indeed:

It is suffering in this world which is the proof of your love; it is suffering which gives greater meaning to your love and gives it all its value.

I think this is not a bad way to start the year.