John of the Cross Quotes

He 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.

Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire.

Never relax, for you will not attain to the possession of true spiritual delights if first you do not learn to deny your every desire.

Have 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.

God desires the smallest degree of purity of conscience in you more than all the works you can perform.

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.

Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to his good pleasure and rest in him.

Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity.

Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.

The virtuous soul that is alone and without a master is like a long lone burning coal; it will grow colder rather than hotter.

In the inner stillness where meditation leads, the Spirit secretly anoints the soul and heals our deepest wounds.

In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.

However 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.

Let my soul live as if separated from my body.

Do 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.

Faith is the union of God and the soul.

If 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.

The window of the soul cleansed perfectly and made completely transparent by the divine light

Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith.

In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.

Never 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.

The soul that walks in love neither tires others nor grows tired.

Seek in reading and thou shalt find in meditation; knock in prayer and it shall be opened in contemplation.

The 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.

When there is no love, pour in love and you shall draw out love.

Love consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.