MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Isaiah 41:13–20
Reflect
Many authors have written about different stages of the spiritual life. In various writings, St. John of the Cross offers three stages that he says every soul passes through. In the purgative way, a soul drives out everything that is foreign to God and casts off sinful habits. In the illuminative way, a soul is enlightened by Christ and begins to make progress in contemplation. And in the final stage, the unitive way, a soul is united in charity with God. John of the Cross writes, “Our greatest need is to be silent before this great God with the appetite and with the tongue, for the only language he hears is the silent language of love.” Every Christian desires union with God in love.
Pray
May St. John of the Cross intercede for me to Jesus and Mary, so that I may completely entrust my happiness to my Savior. May I be guided towards the way of heavenly love until I ultimately find eternal peace. Amen.
Live
Spend fifteen minutes in silent prayer today, in imitation of St. John of the Cross.
