The Virgin comes…
The Virgin weighed with the Word of God, comes down the road; if only you’ll shelter her.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
God works in secret…
God has to work in the soul in secret and in darkness because if we fully knew what was happening, and what Mystery, transformation, God and Grace will eventually ask of us, we would either try to take charge or stop the whole process.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Live in the world…
Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
The contemplative soul…
The traits of the solitary bird are five: first, it seeks the highest place; second, it withstands no company; third, it holds its beak in the air; fourth, it has no definite color; fifth, it sings sweetly. These traits must be possessed by the contemplative soul. It must rise above passing things, paying no more heed to them than if they did not exist. It must likewise be so fond of silence and solitude that it does not tolerate the company of another creature. It must hold its beak in the air of the Holy Spirit, responding to his inspirations, that by so doing it may become worthy of his company. It must have no definite color, desiring to do nothing definite other than the will of God. It must sing sweetly in the contemplation and love of its Bridegroom.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Seek the Cross of Christ…
Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn’t seek the glory of Christ.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
To make progress…
What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love.
— Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
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