Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

This year has not been easy for the members of the Church. It has been a year in which many realities of sin and injustice have come to light. This year has taught us that we belong to a wounded Church. Using the image of St. John of the Cross, we could say we are going through the dark night of the Church.

More than ever we are invited to listen. This is precisely the invitation of today's readings. It is a time to listen carefully and see what the Lord is revealing to us right now, right here in the midst of so much pain and disappointment. It is a time to rediscover the good that the Lord offers to us continually. During this season of Advent, is the Lord inviting us to dance or to mourn? Is the Lord inviting us to work for and with the Church or against the Church?

If we listen carefully, we will be able to hear God's promise, and not only that but to see that promise made flesh to heal our flesh, our Church.