The road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily must cast off all things and use the cross as his cane. In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily must cast off all things and use the cross as his cane. In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.
JOHN OF THE CROSSHave a great love for those who contradict and fail to love you, for in this way love is begotten in a heart that has no love.
JOHN OF THE CROSSHe who loses an opportunity is like the man who lets a bird fly from his hand, for he will never recover it.
JOHN OF THE CROSSHowever softly we speak, God is so close to us that he can hear us; nor do we need wings to go in search of him, but merely to seek solitude and contemplate him within ourselves, without being surprised to find such a good Guest there.
JOHN OF THE CROSSSee that you are not suddenly saddened by the adversities of this world, for you do not know the good they bring, being ordained in the judgments of God for the everlasting joy of the elect.
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 CROSSA Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
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 CROSSNot to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith.
JOHN OF THE CROSSIf it were given to a man to see virtue’s reward in the next world, he would occupy his intellect, memory and will in nothing but good works, careless of danger or fatigue.
JOHN OF THE CROSSLord, I shall see you no more with the eyes of the flesh.
JOHN OF THE CROSSNow that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire.
JOHN OF THE CROSSDo not let your “eye” be drawn by the false “beacon lamps” -of wealth, or position, or fame, or possessions. Be vigilant over your will and desires, for these are the corrupt forces that dwell within, and keep you from living free.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe soul of one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, is always in her palace of jubilation, ever singing with fresh ardor and fresh pleasure a new song of joy and love.
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 CROSSIn search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands; I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts; And pass by the mighty and the frontiers.
JOHN OF THE CROSS