# You are waiting for us
*2015-12-14*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. John of the Cross and the theme of waiting for God's mercy during the third week of Advent.

## The Example of St. John of the Cross

Today is Monday of the third week of Advent, and we celebrate the feast day of St. John of the Cross. Born in Spain in 1541, St. John is known for taking up the cross himself to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. He struggled greatly, even spending time in prison at the hands of his own group of priests.

## Finding God in Struggle

We can learn a lot from St. John. In his times of deepest solitude and struggle, he grew closer to God. Much like Mother Teresa and all the saints, he shows us that it is often through our struggles that we draw nearest to the Lord. Jesus waits for us in the midst of those challenges.

## Scripture and Prayer

Today's reading from Isaiah 30:18 tells us: 'And therefore, the Lord waits to be gracious to you. Therefore, He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.'

In response, we pray: Oh God, you are love. You are waiting for us. You are our Father, who is good and loves us as a true father loves, who loves us truly and forgives us as the Holy Spirit tells us in our hearts. Let us listen to the Holy Spirit and move forward on the path of love, mercy, and forgiveness. Amen.

*Jesus waits for us through our struggles, calling us to move forward on the path of love, mercy, and forgiveness.*