Mercy Me!

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: IS 45:6C-8, 18, 21C-25; PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14; LK 7:18B-23
Notes: The LORD our God LIMITS the effects of our mistakes and MAXIMIZES the effects of our good works.

Because as the perfect Father, that’s what you do.

I love you, Lord!

Today is a splendid mix of the mercy of God and in celebrating John of the Cross our calling to be just like him!

A set of some of my favorite scriptural quotes on mercy:

Know, then, that the LORD, your God, is God: the faithful God who keeps covenant mercy to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments (Deut 7:9).

For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their ancestors’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but showing love down to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments (Ex 20:5b-6).

Franciscan Understanding of John of the Cross

Uniquely and strongly John underlines the gospel paradox: The cross leads to resurrection, agony to ecstasy, darkness to light, abandonment to possession, denial to self to union with God. If you want to save your life, you must lose it. John is truly “of the Cross.” He died at 49—a life short, but full.

Reflection

In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John’s message—like the gospel—is loud and clear: Don’t—if you really want to live!

Saint John of the Cross

First reading
I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things. Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the LORD, have created this.

Responsorial Psalm
Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Alleluia Verse
Raise your voice and tell the Good News: Behold, the Lord GOD comes with power.

Gospel Portion
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise. (LK 10:37)”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry