John was born at Fontiveros in Spain about 1542. He entered the a Carmelites and with the permission of his superiors began to live a stricter life. Later he was persuaded by St. Teresa to begin, together with some others, the Discalced reform within the Carmelite friars; this cost him much hard work and many trials. He died in Ubeda in 1591, outstanding in holiness and wisdom, to which his many spiritual writings give eloquent witness. After his death the reform he introduced within the friars eventually separated from the Carmelite Order to become the Order of Discalced Carmelite Friars.
Prayer
Lord,
you endowed St. John of the Cross
with a spirit of self‑denial and love of the cross.
By following his example
may we come to the eternal vision of your glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 4-5; Romans 8:14-18, 28-30; Gospel – John 17:11, 17-26.
Texts taken from the “Carmelite Proper of the Liturgy of the Hours,” Institutum Carmelitanum, Rome: 1993.