The Holy Innocents, Feast 28th Dec

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:10)

If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)

credits: Matteo di Giovanni and Tintoretto paintings of the Holy Innocents slaughter.

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St John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor of the Church

John de Yepes was born in Fontiveros, in Spain, in about 1542, and became Carmelite friar in 1563, some time before he met St Teresa of Avila. Soon after, she persuaded him to help her in her persuit to reform the Carmelite order. This was a difficult and a dangerous task, which culminated in his imprisonment and punishments at the hands of the Church authoritiess. By the time he died he was recognised of his sanctity. He is renowned for his mystical works and is considered one of the great Spanish poets. he was canonised in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.

 

Oh, how sweet Your presence will be to me, You Who are the supreme good! I must draw near You in silence and uncover my feet before You that You may be pleased to unite me to You in marriage (Ruth 3:7), and I will not rest until I rejoice in Your arms. Now I ask You, Lord, not to abandon me at any time in my recollection, for I am a squandered of my soul. (Maxims and Counsels, 45). 

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