62 Quotes by John of the Cross

Silence is God’s first language.

The eternal spring is hidden in this living bread for our life’s sake, although it is night. It is here calling out to creatures; and they satisfy their thirst, although in darkness, because it is night. This living spring that I long for, I see in this bread of life, although it is night.

Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity.

In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God.

Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.

Let my soul live as if separated from my body.

God leads every soul by a separate path.

He who loves is not ashamed before men of what he does for God, neither does he hide it through shame though the whole world should condemn it.

Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications.