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Friends of the Rosary,
Today, December 14, we celebrate the Memorial of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), a Spanish priest, mystic, and Doctor of the Church.
St. John of the Cross, co-founder with Teresa of Avila of the Discalced Carmelites, is the father of mystical theology. He was a great contemplative and spiritual writer. He is the patron of contemplative life, mystical theology, mystics, and Spanish poets.
He underwent many trials, including an impoverished youth and imprisonment at the hands of his fellow friars.
His reform of the Carmelites was rejected by the elder friars, who condemned the saint as a fugitive and apostate, and cast him into prison, whence he only escaped, after nine months’ suffering, at the risk of his life. Twice again, before his death, he was shamefully persecuted by his brethren and publicly disgraced. But his complete abandonment by creatures only deepened his interior peace and devout longing for heaven. He considered earthly suffering an opportunity to be purged of love of self.
Therese of Lisieux frequently quoted John of the Cross. “At the evening of our life, we will be judged on love.”
He devoted greatly to Our Lord’s Passion and voluntarily sought out humiliation. When Our Lord asked him what reward he would ask for his labors, John answered: “To suffer and to be despised for Thee.” He died of an excruciating disease, erysipelas while embracing the crucifix.
He wrote in “Sayings of Light and Love”:
“Mine are the heavens, and mine is the earth. Mine are the nations, the just are mine and mine the sinners. The angels are mine, and the Mother of God, and all things are mine, and God himself is mine and for me, because Christ is mine and all for me. What do you ask, then, and seek my soul? Yours is all of this, and all is for you. Do not engage yourself in something less or pay heed to the crumbs that fall from your Father’s table. Go forth and exult in your Glory! Hide yourself in it and rejoice, and you will obtain the supplications of your heart.”
Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. John of the Cross, Pray for Us!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
