This week we celebrated the feast of St John of the Cross. In the extract below we are reminded of the uplifting sense of joy at this time of Advent, responding to the call of Light with true rejoicing in our souls:
From the Carmelite Monastery at Thicket Priory (York)
Today in Carmel we celebrate the Solemnity of St John of the Cross - Carmelite friar, mystic, poet, theologian and collaborator with St Teresa in her work of reform.
This is his 'song of the enamoured soul':
"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."
St John of the Cross - Pray for us
