Though the path is plain and smooth for men of good will, he who walks it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty, if he does not have good feet: that is, courage and a persevering spirit.
John of the CrossHowever high be your endeavors, unless you renounce and subjugate your own will - unless you forget yourself and all that pertains to yourself - not one step will you advance on the road to perfection.
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