Coming Jesus, show yourself to us when we are most resistant to turning towards you. Help us to cling to our longing for you, that we might turn back quickly when we wander away from you. Give us love and hope for those we love who struggle to see you. May we turn back to life as often as we need to. Amen.
St. John Damascene was a learned theologian who carefully gathered together and transmitted to us the teaching of the Greek Fathers, and is thus one of the most trustworthy witnesses to oriental tradition. He also wrote many liturgical hymns still in use today. St. John Damascene died in 749. Leo XIII proclaimed him a Doctor of the universal Church. His feast in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated March 27.