The garden of Gethsemane is quite often–perhaps most often–the place where we meet God; more rarely do we meet God on the mountain called Tabor where the Transfiguration of Jesus occurred. Darkness and coldness are part of the spiritual life. Every hermit knows that, and so do all who try to take prayer seriously. Love is tested by absence, and desire for God is awakened as much in periods of trial as in moments of spiritual ease. That is why so many do not persevere in prayer. ~Cardinal Basil Hume; The Mystery of the Cross