See that you are not suddenly saddened by the adversities of this world, for you do not know the good they bring, being ordained in the judgments of God for the everlasting joy of the elect.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom — your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and you won’t find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
To love is to be transformed into what we love. To love God is therefore to be transformed into God.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
You yourself are the lodging wherein God dwells, and the closet and hiding-place wherein He is hidden.
— Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
God passes through the thicket of the world, and wherever God’s glance falls it turns all things to beauty.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you remember Christ crucified and be silent.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
