The 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 Cross More Quotes by John of the Cross More Quotes From John of the Cross In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction. John of the Cross enlightenment confidence instruction He who loves is not ashamed before men of what he does for God, neither does he hide it through shame though the whole world should condemn it. John of the Cross doe love-is men My sole occupation is love. John of the Cross love-life occupation life The soul that journey's to God, but doesn't shake off it's cares and quiet it's appetities, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill. John of the Cross saint soul journey Never listen to accounts of the frailty of others; and if anyone should complain to you of another, humbly ask him not to speak about him at all. John of the Cross speak should complaining At the end of our life, we shall all be judged by charity. John of the Cross catholic inspiration faith 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. John of the Cross over-you eye desire 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. John of the Cross saint men memories Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity. John of the Cross clarity sin purity God passes through the thicket of the world, and wherever His glance falls He turns all things to beauty. John of the Cross saint world fall If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back. John of the Cross fly-away opportunity bird Faith is the union of God and the soul. John of the Cross unions soul The 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 bread-of-life spring night Seek in reading and thou shalt find in meditation; knock in prayer and it shall be opened in contemplation. John of the Cross meditation reading prayer God desires the smallest degree of purity of conscience in you more than all the works you can perform. John of the Cross degrees saint desire 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 Cross color sky bird 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. John of the Cross flames soul perfect I have said this to explain the stanza that follows, in which the soul replies to those who call in question its holy tranquillity, who will have it wholly occupied with outward duties, that its light may shine before the world: these persons have no conception of the fibres and the unseen root whence the sap is drawn, and which nourish the fruit. John of the Cross shining light roots The 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 Cross soul inspirational long 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 Cross attachment spiritual heart
