FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS – 14th DECEMBER
December 14, 2021
FEAST OF BLESSED MARY FRANCES SCHERVIER – 15th DECEMBER
December 15, 2021
14 December, 2021
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’. – John 8:12
Almighty God, you created the world with your Word of life and its Power of pure and spotless glory illuminated the earth. But the darkness of iniquity plunged us into irredeemable dark dungeons, where we lay chained and in despair, bereft of the light of your grace and of your presence. And so you sent that very Light, which became incarnate and descended amongst us, as was prophesied of him, that he should be a light to the Gentiles, and open God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.
You sent Christ in answer to centuries of waiting, at the right moment, when he would offer his life in ransom for our sins. So as Christ is most aptly compared to the light, the world needed only to look to Christ in and by whom all things are illuminated. Christ lifted us out of the bondage of darkness and brought us into his perpetual light of peace, where we could reside, reconciled to you, delivered into eternal salvation. In Christ, our faith has been restored and hope has been revived in our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Iight of pure life and by following him, believing his doctrine, and obeying his precepts, we should not be in ignorance, or in danger of spiritual death, but should be kindled with the fire of the light which brings life along with it, guiding us in spiritual works. Jesus reveals the nature of your holiness and love, the wrath for our sins, but the mercy of forgiveness, and your justice which will sanctify us in Jesus’ Name. Amen
