Quotes by John of the Cross

About John of the Cross:

Saint John of the Cross was a major figure of the Counter-Reformation, a Spanish mystic, a Roman Catholic saint, a Carmelite friar and a priest who was born at Fontiveros, Old Castile.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Some of these beginners, too, make little of their faults, and at other times become over-sad when they see themselves fall into them, thinking themselves to have been saints already; and thus they become angry and impatient with themselves, which is...

John of the Cross

Many beginners also at times possess great spiritual avarice. They hardly ever seem content with the spirit God gives them. They become unhappy and peevish because they don't find the consolation they want in spiritual things. Many never have enough ...

John of the Cross

No matter how much individuals do through their own efforts, they cannot actively purify themselves enough to be disposed in the least degree for the divine union of the perfection of love. God must take over and purge them in that fire that is dark ...

John of the Cross

The second cause whence these rebellions sometimes proceed is the devil, who, in order to disquiet and disturb the soul, at times when it is at prayer or is striving to pray, contrives to stir up these motions of impurity in its nature; and if the so...

John of the Cross

O how gently and how lovingly dost thou lie awake in the depth and centre of my soul, where thou in secret and in silence alone, as its sole Lord, abidest, not only as in Thine own house or in Thine own chamber, but also as within my own bosom, in cl...

John of the Cross

They can be like the sun, words. They can do for the heart what light can for a field.

John of the Cross

Well and good if all things change, O Lord God, provided I am rooted in You.

John of the Cross

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.

John of the Cross

Where there is no love, put love -- and you will find love.

John of the Cross

Author Bio

  • NameJohn of the Cross
  • DescriptionSpanish mystic and Roman Catholic saint
  • BornJune 24, 1542
  • DiedDecember 14, 1591
  • CountrySpain
  • ProfessionPriest; Poet; Writer; Cleric