We know that there are three comings of the Lord. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.

Carmelites are “prayer in the heart of the Church” and, as such, our apostolate is to pray for priests and evangelists. We must be fervent and faithful in this task, for the active apostolate depends on the contemplative apostolate. Our prayers and their service will win souls for Christ. In the following reflection, St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us to be faithful in the battle for souls.

Christ urges you, when you ask forgiveness for yourself, to be especially generous to others, so that your actions may command your prayer. The Apostle, too, teaches you how to pray: you must avoid anger and contentiousness, so that your prayer may be serene and wholesome. He tells you also that every place is a place of prayer, though our Savior says: Go into your room...

“O my Jesus, there is no need then to say: In drawing me, draw also the souls that I love. The words ‘draw me’ suffice. When a soul has been captivated by the odor of Your perfumes she cannot run alone; as a natural consequence of her attraction toward You, all those whom she loves are drawn in her train.