For true devotion must issue from the heart, and consist in the truth and substances alone of what is represented by spiritual things; all the rest is affection and attachment proceeding from imperfection; and in order that one may pass to any kind of perfection it is necessary for such desires to be killed.
John of the CrossThe divine awakening produces in the soul of the perfect a flame of love which is a participate of that living flame which is the Holy Spirit Himself...this is the operation of the Holy Spirit in the soul that is transformed in love.
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 CrossIn the inner stillness where meditation leads, the Spirit secretly anoints the soul and heals our deepest wounds.
John of the Cross