ST JOHN OF THE CROSS. PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

 THE MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

“As they were coming down from the mountain,

the disciples asked Jesus,

"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come,

and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.

"So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."

"Then the disciples understood

that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist." 

(Matthew 17: 19a, 10 - 13).

Saturday 14th December 2024 of the 2nd Week of Advent is the feast of St John of the Cross. (1542 - 1591). 

Spanish priest, mystic and Doctor of the Church. Called Doctor of Mystical theology because of the depth of his understanding and writings on mysticism. St John of the Cross was co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites with St Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. St John of the Cross was the author of the classic: "The Dark Night of a Soul."

Elijah the great prophet came back in the person of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths and people did not recognize the hour or the opportunity.  Although he appeared like a fire whose words were as a flaming furnace, yet people took little notice. The noise in the world was too loud and impenetrable for the message of salvation.

This is Advent, less than ten days to Christmas. Arise from your sleep.  Do not allow Christmas shopping and any other frenzied activities to obscure the true meaning of the Season.

The Lord is surely coming in splendor to visit His people. Prepare to welcome Him.

"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1