14th December
Today the Church gives us a sixteenth century Spanish Carmelite frier to reflect on; in this time of Advent, we are given another ‘prophet’ to think about. St. Teresa of Avila persuaded John to work with her on the REFORM of the Carmelites: together they wanted to return to a stricter way of life, envisaged by their founders, with a more regulated prayer times, fasting and style of the religious habit. As with all change, some can adapt and cope, while others fight it—the Carmelites had their own ‘civil war’ with John being eventually imprisoned by his fellow friars. During this time of ‘lockdown’ he composed some of his most amazing works, as he experienced ‘the dark night of the soul’. For John this was the journey of the soul from its bodily home to union with God. It happens during the "dark", which represents the hardships and difficulties that we all must face so that we can reach the light of the union with the Creator. Without a doubt these past few years have been a ‘dark night’ for many of us, as we were without the support and the human touch of loved ones who could not be included in our ‘social bubble’ due to distance or the need to shield. Today we see the horrors of a pandemic of hatred and bitterness across the globe and shows itself in bitter partisan and extreme politics. There is a danger that we have become scared and suspicious: can we meet up? Who do I include in my group? Should we go out?
We will all have to face problems, crises and hurt during life—sometimes, just like John, the problems come from those we live with, those we are close to and those who know us best. I feel that it was this betrayal that hurt John the most: to be let down by family and friends is so difficult to come to terms with. In this Camino we are striving to achieve a peace and unity that Christ offers us, but please be conscious of those for whom Christmas will only drag up painful memories. For some Christmas Day is the loneliest day of the year. It can be so difficult to enter the festive mood when you are wounded and broken; as we experience the darkness, let us look to the light—a pot that is cracked can let the light in!
In an obscure night
Fevered with love's anxiety
(O hapless, happy plight!)
I went, none seeing me
Forth from my house, where all things quiet be
(‘Dark Night of the Soul’)
Today: if you know of a family member or friend experiencing problems and going through a ‘dark night’ reach out to them in friendship and warmth.
We can pray:
Even if we are ‘physically distanced’, we do not need to be ‘socially distanced’ too! In your heart and mind, reach out to those hurting today and pray with them so that they might soon experience light.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIihblOPxrU
Lord, in these days help me to reach out to those in need.
Help me to listen, help me to use the right words in speaking to them.
As we face the problems of life together, may this time of Advent keep us open to your light, strength, hope and love.
May we walk this Advent Camino together in your peace and understanding. AMEN