Thursday of the Second Week of Advent:

It’s a big day. It’s Thursday of the Second Week of Advent. It’s the Feast of Saint John of the Cross, 16th century mystic, poet, Carmelite Priest and Doctor of the Church. And it’s the first day of final exams. The atmosphere is charged with a blend of anticipation, dedication, and perhaps a tinge of weariness. In a time when we are ardently working, burning the candle at both ends, and striving to offer our utmost; when we are feeling the weight of exhaustion and stress; we are called to prepare, not only for academic evaluations, final papers and projects, but for the advent of Jesus Christ, who comes to save us.

May we find inspiration in Saint John of the Cross, who was blessed with a brilliant and sublime intellect, an uncompromising work ethic, and whose writings, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Spiritual Canticle, and O Flame of Living Love, are the fruit of deep, mystical prayer and union with God. But the “Mystical Doctor” also suffered greatly, through intense penances, imprisonment and persecution at the hands of his own brethren in the unreformed Carmelites of the Observance. His words in today’s Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours remind us that the journey towards the profound riches and wisdom of God often traverses the thicket of suffering. He writes:

“Would that we might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.”

Should we find ourselves in “the thicket of suffering” over the days ahead, let’s find solace in knowing that our struggles may serve as a gateway to experiencing a deeper understanding of divine wisdom. In the “thicket of the cross,” we realize that the challenges and trials we face are not merely burdens to bear, but a chosen path toward God.

Today, may the words spoken by God through the Prophet Isaiah offer us a profound sense of reassurance:

“I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I will help you. You shall rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.'”

As we walk through the thicket, remember that God walks with us, holding our hand as we go, and promising us the joy of His presence. In the midst of our toils, may we find strength in the thicket of the cross, trusting that, with God's guidance, we can emerge wiser, more resilient, and ready to rejoice at the coming of Christ our Savior.