San Juan de la Cruz

Priest and Doctor of the Church

Today, the Roman Church celebrates St. John of the Cross, friar, reformer, theologian — and poet.

Of the Annunciation

It was an angel he beckoned;
it was Gabriel came;
he waved him away on an errand
to Mary—treasure the name.

She must say the right word, this maiden,
for the wonder of wonders to be;
for the Word to be dressed forever
in flesh by the mighty three.

Three had a hand in the work,
but it worked an effect on one.
Who but the Word made flesh?
Where but in Mary's womb?

The son had a father before;
first had a mother then.
Mother yes, but no mother
conceiving as mothers of men.

He had his flesh of her flesh:
so a new life began.
Now the son of the highest
answers to son of man.

St. John of the Cross
Poems (3rd edition) p. 73
tr. John Frederick Nims

Gerard has a fine blog today on the Saint.

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Sat. 12/14/02 11:16:47 AM
Categorized as Literary & Religious.