The 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 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 CROSSMy spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on You.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe purest suffering bears and carries in its train the purest understanding.
JOHN OF THE CROSSAll the powers of soul and body, memory, understanding, and will, interior and exterior senses, the desires of spirit and of sense, all workin and by 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 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 CROSSDesolation is a file, and the endurance of darkness is preparation for great light.
JOHN OF THE CROSSThe window of the soul cleansed perfectly and made completely transparent by the divine light.
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 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 CROSSHe who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again.
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 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 CROSSWhen there is no love, pour in love and you shall draw out love.
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 CROSSIn tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.
JOHN OF THE CROSS