This is the ordinary task of hope in the soul: It raises the eyes to look only at God.

John of the Cross, The Dark Night.

Let Christ crucified be enough for you, and with Him suffer and take your rest.

John of the Cross, Maxims and Counsels.

As the tilling of the soil is necessary for its fruitfulness--untilled soil produces only weeds--mortification of the appetites is a requisite for man's spiritual fruitfulness.

John of the Cross, The Ascent of Mt. Carmel

Enter within yourself and work in the presence of your spouse who is ever present loving you.

John of the Cross, Maxims and Counsels

"Seek in reading and you will find in meditation; knock in prayer and it will be opened to you in contemplation."

John of the Cross, Maxims and Counsels

"I should not consider any spirituality worthwhile that would walk in sweetness and ease and run from the imitation of Christ."

John of the Cross, The Ascent of Mt. Carmel

"What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetites and our tongue, for the language he best hears is silent love."

John of the Cross, Maxims and Counsels

"Love works so in me that whether things go well or badly, Love turns all to one sweetness."

John of the Cross, "Commentary Applied to Spiritual Things"