Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. — (see John 8:12)

Mass Readings: Isaiah 48:17-19/Matthew 11:16-19 

The Harder Way is Easier 

St. John of the Cross is sometimes viewed as a rather severe, demanding saint — ever urging his followers to choose the more demanding path. What he was really doing was inviting us to use a shortcut to God. 

How often are we willing to encounter God only in the way we’ve imagined for ourselves. We’re like the people in today’s Gospel. They refuse to be pleased unless God fulfills their every expectation: “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.” As Jesus did not fulfill their narrow expectations, so God does not always fulfill ours. But if, as St. John urges us, we “endeavor to be inclined” to God’s will, we will surely find the freedom of the children of God. 

Prayer: St. John of the Cross, help us to find our way to God.