Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor (1542-1591)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 60 The Admission of Priests to the Monastery

Mass: Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Resp Ps 85; Lk 7:18b-23

Justice shall walk before him

MARY, QUEEN OF DOCTORS,

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I am the Lord, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness ... Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice spring up! I, the Lord, have created this.

(Is 45:6c, 8)

Welcome to Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent when we commemorate Saint John of the Cross, the "Mystical Doctor", Carmelite Priest and Doctor of the Church. Spanish by birth, well-educated, John offered service to the poor in a hospital and eventually entered the Carmelite Order. A reformer of the Order along with Saint Teresa of Avila, John was opposed on many fronts by those he was trying to reform. John was imprisoned in a tiny cell for nine months and endured regular public floggings along with other harsh treatments. Still, John managed to compose poetry that would serve as the basis for his spiritual teaching. Something Pope Saint John Paul II said on the 400th anniversary of Saint John's death speaks volumes. The Holy Father called Saint John of the Cross a "a master in faith and witness to the living God." Saint John of the Cross is a patron of the contemplative life, mystical theology, mystics, and Spanish poets.* We turn to Saint John of the Cross this day, to help us be faithful witnesses to the living God. No matter what.

Seeking my Love

I will head for the mountains and the watersides,

I will not gather flowers,

nor fear wild beasts;

I will go beyond strong men and frontiers.

(Saint John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle)

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, 

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA,

PRAY FOR US.

* See Catholic News Agency, "St. John of the Cross."

Today's photo: Part of my morning regime, here is one of my favorite views. Salvation along the way of his steps.

© Gertrude Feick 2022