Revolution of Love.com
St. John of the Cross: Priest, Mystic & Reformer
(1542-1591)
St. John of the Cross was a Carmelite priest, mystic and reformer. When he entered the Carmelite Order he was given the name Brother John of St. Matthias. However, after joining the reform, started by St. Teresa of Avila, he changed his name to John of the Cross.
Choosing to place the word "cross" at the end of his religious name accurately described John's life. From a young boy to his last breath John lived in the shadow of the cross. He faced the cross of poverty, humiliation, rejection and suffering and yet he attained the heights of mystical union with God.
One thing, among many, that I admire about this saint is that he never ran from the crosses God placed before him. He made the words of Jesus his own: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt.16: 24).
It is never easy to embrace the cross but Jesus calls each disciple to pick up the cross and follow Him. Let us - with God's grace, the help of Our Heavenly Mother and the prayers of St. John - pick up those crosses God wishes to send us and follow after Jesus!
"As they led Him away they took hold of a certain Simon,
a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after
laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus."
(Lk.23: 26)