In Carmelite Churches:
December 14: Feast of St John of the Cross, Carmelite Priest & Doctor of the Church*
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 4-5; Psalm 138; Romans 8:14-18 28-30; John 17:11, 17-26
Our first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah is quite appropriate for the feast of St John of the Cross because in it the Lord is telling his faithful servant that he will be with him to protect and strengthen him no matter what trials and fears he has to face. The reading from the letter to the Romans also speaks of suffering as making us true heirs and brothers of Christ. Only in suffering for the sake of the kingdom can we truly be seen as Christ-like. In the Gospel we see Jesus thanking, praising and petitioning God. He thanks the Father for those who have been faithful to him and asks that they may be strengthened for their work of building the kingdom. He also asks that they may be united in their work in the same way that the Father and Son are united. The readings reflect very much the life which John lived in Spain and they also challenge us to work for the building up of the kingdom even in the face of conflict but knowing that God is our side to help us and to reward us.
