Today we remember this great 16th century saint (1541-1591) well known for documenting his ‘Dark Night of the Soul.” Misunderstood, mistreated, maligned – Saint John of the Cross came to know the dark intimately while imprisoned for his progressive faith. Yet through the depths of that ‘cross’ he came to a deeper understanding of the incredible heights of God’s love. May we learn from his example to seek God, even if we feel abandoned & don’t understand: God’s love for us is with us even in the darkest corners of the deepest night.
“Never was font so clear,
undimmed and bright;
From it alone, I know proceeds all light
although ’tis night.”
Saint John of the Cross
grace, peace & Heavenly Light
Virginia
p.s. my heart & prayers are with the people of Newtown, CT, where the terrible shooting today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School killed 20 children & six adults. Such senseless violence – especially against children – is unbelievable. I was touched earlier this evening reading photographer Kenneth Todd’s blog post – he lives 20 miles from Newtown & has small children of his own. Please click here to read the moving poem, “Tiny Angels,” he included in tribute to the children who died today.
Roses in the Rubble 
Such a sad time
Gwen – much too sad…how Jesus must be weeping for these wee ones…
Ginny,
Thanks for this reflection and the link to the poem. I am comforted by the Christmas message against the backdrop of this terrible tragedy…”The people that walk in darkness have seen A GREAT LIGHT” and “THAT LIGHT is LIGHT of men (all peoples )!” How thankful I am that we have a Savior and His name is JESUS CHRIST, THE LORD!
Luv, Cin
Thank you Cindy – we can pray for the Light to shine a bit brighter, to root out the terrible darkness that makes these violent acts cost so much.. for God’s Light to heal hurting hearts & straighten crooked minds,,, In Jesus Name …
Never in a million years could I fathom something so horrific. Praying for peace for that community. Thanks for posting.
Amen, Jayme. Horrible, horrific — unbelievable — words just don’t describe the bottomless nausea of this tragedy. How to tell your girls? How for parents around the country to explain random acts of violence without paralyzing fear replacing freedom for kids to Be Kids? My prayers are with all you moms!