“The union with God brings forth fruit and demands certain dispositions. I think it extraordinarily remarkable that St. John of the Cross who evidently always saw Our Lady on the loftiest heights, never reveals her on her way to Mystical union, but only in the glory of her love; in the effect, so to say, …
Today, June 23, is the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. Today’s celebration dates from the fourth century and is one of only three birthdays celebrated on the Church calendar, the other two being the Birth of Jesus on December 25 and the Birth of Mary on September 8. In some European …
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her childshe gave birth to a son.Her neighbors and relatives heardthat the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,and they rejoiced with her.When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,but his mother said in …
“In other places in his works as well, St. John of the Cross reminds us that we cannot always soar into the highest regions of the mystical life, but it is again Our Lady who is the image of our union in those regions. She also stands at our side, telling us what we ought …
Today, June 22, is the memorial of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher.Thomas More was a humanist and chancellor of England. He was a close friend of Erasmus. Thomas wrote the masterpiece “Utopia”. He refused to support Henry VII’s divorce of Queen Catherine and his Act of Supremacy, saying that one cannot violate God’s …
Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,but underneath are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them.Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,nor can a …
“When St. John reminds us that especially at the beginning one cannot constantly be in contemplation, he says that the soul should then ever in all its thoughts, acts, good deeds and undertakings have recourse to holy thoughts and meditations, from which it will draw more fervent piety and greater advantage. But above all, should …
Today, June 21, is the memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Aloysius was born in 1568 to Italian aristocrats. He was trained from age four as a soldier and courtier, as he was expected to inherit his father privileged status. He lived in Renaissance Italy, a time of violence, blood, and savagery. The effect was too …
Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate;for the gate is wide …
“Perhaps it will be a struggle, it may cost dearly. St. John says that that is exactly the reason why he and his brethren must follow Jesus with His cross, stripped of everything and of themselves because they are called to be the Brothers of Our Lady of Carmel, that is, called to be among …