MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 2:1–10
REFLECT
St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite mystic and reformer, once wrote, “Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire.” It is easy to look at the sufferings of life and declare — in the midst of our misery — that God has forgotten us. And yet, John of the Cross insists otherwise. For him, every trial, every misfortune, becomes an opportunity to find the peace of Christ. When we unite our own pains to those of Jesus’ cross, they become a true sacrifice. In so doing we will find ourselves changed and discover the lasting consolation only Jesus offers.
PRAY
Lord Jesus, drive from my heart all resentment and bitterness. Help me to discover you amidst the hardships of my life. Amen.
LIVE
Imitate John of the Cross in his poverty today by giving away some of the clothes in your closet that you don’t really need.