My sole occupation is love.
JOHN OF THE CROSSMy sole occupation is love.
JOHN OF THE CROSSHe who loves is not ashamed before men of what he does for God, neither does he hide it through shame though the whole world should condemn it.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe eternal tide flows hid in Living Bread. That with its Heavenly Life too be fed.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThough the path is plain and smooth for men of good will, he who walks it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty, if he does not have good feet: that is, courage and a persevering spirit.
JOHN OF THE CROSSTake God for your spouse and friend and walk with him continually, and you will not sin and will learn to love, and the things you must do will work out prosperously for you.
JOHN OF THE CROSSTo reach satisfaction in all desire its possession in nothing, To come to the knowledge of all desire the knowledge of nothing. To come to possess all desire the possession of nothing. To arrive at being all desire to be nothing.
JOHN OF THE CROSSDesolation is a file, and the endurance of darkness is preparation for great light.
JOHN OF THE CROSSNever listen to accounts of the frailty of others; and if anyone should complain to you of another, humbly ask him not to speak about him at all.
JOHN OF THE CROSSNever relax, for you will not attain to the possession of true spiritual delights if first you do not learn to deny your every desire.
JOHN OF THE CROSSGod passes through the thicket of the world, and wherever His glance falls He turns all things to beauty.
JOHN OF THE CROSSObedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications.
JOHN OF THE CROSSLive in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.
JOHN OF THE CROSSWhenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.
JOHN OF THE CROSSIn the inner stillness where meditation leads, the Spirit secretly anoints the soul and heals our deepest wounds.
JOHN OF THE CROSSTo love is to be transformed into what we love. To love God is therefore to be transformed into God.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe soul that journey’s to God, but doesn’t shake off it’s cares and quiet it’s appetities, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill.
JOHN OF THE CROSS