The soul that is attached to anything, however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union. For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds it fast; for until the cord be broken, the bird cannot fly.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
In detachment, the spirit finds quiet and repose for coveting nothing.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
The soul that journeys 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.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Be interiorly detached from all things and do not seek pleasure in any temporal thing, and your soul will concentrate on goods you do not know.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Not the goods of the world, but God. Not riches, but God. Not honors, but God. Not distinction, but God. Not dignities, but God. Not advancement, but God. God always and in everything.
–Saint Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850)
Let’s despise the world and its false gods. Let’s despise its honors. In vain would we seek our happiness in them. It will benefit us greatly to receive nothing from the world but ingratitude and opposition. This will detach us from it and attach us closely to God alone.
–Saint Joan Antide-Thouret (1765-1826)
