John of the Cross (1542–1591), Carmelite reformer with Teresa of Ávila, taught the dark night as a mercy: God weans the soul from what is less than God. Poet and Doctor of the Church, he suffered from his own brothers and would not return injury. His memorial is 14 December, in the last stretch of Advent. Ask today for a love that will go through darkness without bargaining, and for a poverty of spirit that can receive the Word made flesh.
Original – Prayer on Fire.
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Office of Readings
Isaiah 52:7–10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger and the preacher of peace! Announcing good and preaching peace, they are saying to Zion, “Your God will reign!”
It is the voice of your watchmen. They have lifted up their voice. They will praise together. For they will see eye to eye, when the Lord converts Zion.
Be glad and rejoice together, O deserts of Jerusalem! For the Lord has consoled his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has prepared his holy arm, in the sight of all the Gentiles. And all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Text: Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) · Office of Readings
