St. John of the Cross, with St. Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite order in the mid-16th century - after it has lapsed into a state of extravagant irreligiosity! Nuns with fashionable clothing and maid service, was not in keeping with values for religious life. Teresa was the frontrunner for female Carmelite reform, and John of the Cross for the men - friars.
John, though short in stature, was very tall in wisdom and grace from God. God gifted him with the ability to concisely preach and write down the practical aspects of true spirituality that was so desperately needed in Spain just preceding the Protestant Revolution. Like St. Paul in the first reading, God the Father revealed to John of the Cross the hidden mysteries of God - that come from the Holy Spirit. He is fittingly honored as a doctor of the Church! The Ascent of Mt. Carmel; The Dark Night of the Soul are among his great spiritual masterpieces.
Being baptized, and living in a Catholic environment, sometimes we can take for granted what we have come to know: the very mysteries of God that have already been revealed to us: JESUS CHRIST and his message! JESUS CHRIST and his sacrifice! JESUS CHRIST and his abiding presence in all of the sacraments but especially the Eucharist - until the end of time!
These are the very mysteries of God that we need but remind ourselves that we already know and possess!
In the gospel passage Jesus warns all of those who seek baptism, who seek entry into the Church, who seek entry into the family of God: it is all or nothing! Discipleship is something to give everything for! It means losing what you have - to gain absolutely everything!
May we renew our generosity today to give all to God (whom we cannot see) and to our neighbors - all of them (whom we can see) - and thus find God and God’s love for us - and find our place secured both around this altar on earth, and the throne of God in heaven (which is really the same place)!
We are made to praise the glory of your Name, loving Father - for all that you reveal to and give us!
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