THREE WORDS OF WISDOM

THE LORD'S MOUNTAIN

For Carmelites the symbolism of God's mountain, Mount Carmel, is paramount. As secular Carmelites we follow the teachings and spiritual direction of St. John of the Cross who wrote extensively about ascending the mountain of Carmel which is spiritual symbolism for union with God. We ask Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to lead us safely to the summit of Carmel, to Christ her Son.

St. John of the Cross made a drawing of Mt. Carmel, the mount of perfection, which became helpful to his disciples, because it was a summary of his teaching that they could refer to in their spiritual struggle. One of the features of this drawing is the narrow path that

leads to the summit. We know from the Gospel of Matthew that he is referring to the parable of the narrow gate:
Enter through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it. But how narrow is the gate that leads to life, how rough the road, and how few there are who find it!
 (Matthew 7:13-14)

As secular Carmelites we should be very grateful that the Lord has given us the spiritual eyes to see the narrow gate that leads to Him. He tells us clearly that the road is rough, so we should expect the road of prayer and purification to be difficult. There are many spiritual books written about how one can overcome the rough road of dryness in prayer. This has always puzzled me, because this is one area for Carmelites whose main charism is prayer, and in particular, quiet prayer, that is necessary for spiritual growth. Of course, we need direction to help us and encourage us through this difficult time. That is where St. John of the Cross and his teaching can help us. We must keep before us our goal: the mountain of the Lord.

During this season of Advent when the entire church is on retreat praying and waiting and keeping vigil for the coming of the Lord let

us remember to pray for each other. Waiting can be very difficult. We only have to look at our society to see it. Waiting in line at the store or waiting in traffic one sees impatience on all sides. Let us use these moments in our daily life to turn interiorly toward the Lord's mountain and renew our desire to be one with him.  As today's psalm response states, "Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord." Our response to the challenges and stresses of our daily activities is one way we give witness that as Catholics, as Christians, as Carmelites we are going "rejoicing to the House of the Lord" one moment at a time.

Let us pray for each other!

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
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