Quote

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

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

John of the Cross
Age: 49 †
Born: 1542
Born: June 24
Died: 1591
Died: December 14
Carmelite Friar
Catholic Priest
Poet
Saint
Writer
Saint John of the Cross
Juan de la Cruz
Soul
Roots
Shine
Tranquillity
World
Holy
Follows
Nourish
Duty
Root
Whence
Question
Conception
Occupied
Call
Drawn
Duties
Fibres
Light
Explain
Outward
Stanza
May
Shining
Wholly
Replies
Persons
Fruit
Unseen
Sap

More quotes by John of the Cross

Image
Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications.
John of the Cross
Image
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.
John of the Cross
Image
There is nothing better or morenecessary than love.
John of the Cross
Image
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 Cross
Image
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
Image
They say, God told me, or God replied to me. And yet most of the time they are talking to themselves.
John of the Cross
Image
At the end of our life, we shall all be judged by charity.
John of the Cross
Image
Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn't seek the glory of Christ.
John of the Cross
Image
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
Image
In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.
John of the Cross
Image
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.
John of the Cross
Image
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
Image
If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection.
John of the Cross
Image
In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed.
John of the Cross
Image
Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith.
John of the Cross
Image
Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion of God, which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.
John of the Cross
Image
Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.
John of the Cross
Image
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.
John of the Cross
Image
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.
John of the Cross
Image
In search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts And pass by the mighty and the frontiers.
John of the Cross