Saint of the Day
St. John of the Cross
John of the Cross (1542–1591) was a Spanish Carmelite mystic, poet, and Doctor of the Church. Collaborating with Teresa of Ávila, he worked to reform the Carmelite order and endured imprisonment by opponents of the reform. In a small, dark cell he composed poetry that became the basis for his classic spiritual works, including The Dark Night of the Soul and The Ascent of Mount Carmel, which map the soul's journey through darkness to union with God.
Scripture Reading
Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Reflection
When Jesus read these words in the Nazareth synagogue, he rolled up the scroll and said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Advent is the approach of this fulfillment — the year of the Lord's favor breaking into history. We prepare not merely for a memory but for a continuing reality: Christ still proclaims good news, still sets the oppressed free, still opens eyes.
Prayer for Today
The anointing of God is now consuming all of my God-given desires and the desires of my heart and is empowering them to prosper right now, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.