Whoever walks always in God's presence, will never commit sin, but will preserve his innocence and become a great saint – Saint John Joseph of the Cross
Were there neither heaven nor hell," he would say, "still would I ever wish to love God, who is a father so deserving of our love." Or "Let us love our Lord, love him verily and indeed, for the love of God is a great treasure. Blessed is he that loveth God.
John Joseph’s mortification allowed him to be the kind of forgiving superior intended by Saint Francis. Self-denial should lead us to charity—not to bitterness; it should help us clarify our priorities and make us more loving. (Franciscan Media)
The voice is John, but the Lord in the beginning was the Word. John was a voice that lasted only for a time; Christ, the Word in the beginning, is eternal.
So my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is time to grow, nurture and deepen our faith in God as Jesus taught us in today’s gospel reading. So let us do so, by living out the gospel of Christ when we practice the virtues of Patience, Perseverance, Humility and Confidence in God.
