The conditions of a solitary bird are five: The first, that it flies to the highest point; The Second, that it does not suffer for company, not even of its own kind; The Third, that it aims its beak to the skies; The Fourth, that it does not have a definite color; The Fifth, that it sings very softly.
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 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 CrossIt is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others.
John of the CrossThe eternal spring is hidden in this living bread for our life's sake, although it is night. It is here calling out to creatures; and they satisfy their thirst, although in darkness, because it is night. This living spring that I long for, I see in this bread of life, although it is night.
John of the Cross