St. John of the Cross

“Speak few words.”

“Withdraw thyself from creatures.”

“And thou shalt find God.”

“Despise thyself, and thou shalt arrive at the highest perfection.”

“He who attempts a wholehearted following of Christ in self-denial cannot avoid suffering.”

“Suffering is the surest sign of love of God.”

“In bearing it patiently, the soul accomplishes great things.”

“He who hath patience and humility, and is silent in the time of his distress, hath found a great treasure.”

“He who flees prayer, flees from all that is good.”

“Live in the present moment, and thou shalt find God in everything.”

“For He is in the present.”

“What is to be thought of God except that all is His?”

“Behold, He has said, 'Mine are the heavens and Mine the earth, the fathers, the saints, the angels, and the souls.'”

“For He has said, 'I came not to be served, but to serve.'”

“Let go and let God.”

“It is the property of God to drive out the impurities of the soul gently.”

“He purifies us as fire purifies wood.”

“At first, the wood smokes and crackles, and gives off heat.”

“But in the end, it becomes one with the fire, and shines like the fire.”