Silence is God’s first language.
JOHN OF THE CROSSSilence is God’s first language.
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 CROSSThe eternal tide flows hid in Living Bread. That with its Heavenly Life too be fed.
JOHN OF THE CROSSIf you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back.
JOHN OF THE CROSSLive as though only God and yourself were in this world, so that your heart may not be detained by anything human.
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 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 CROSSThe virtuous soul that is alone and without a master is like a long lone burning coal; it will grow colder rather than hotter.
JOHN OF THE CROSSNow that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire.
JOHN OF THE CROSSWhere there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.
JOHN OF THE CROSSFaith is the union of God and the soul.
JOHN OF THE CROSSFaith is a dark night for man, but in this very way it gives him light.
JOHN OF THE CROSSNever give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction.
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 CROSSHe who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good.
JOHN OF THE CROSSIn the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.
JOHN OF THE CROSS