St. John Quotations

Love consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.

If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark.

He who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again.

It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others.

Beloved, all that is harsh and difficult I want for myself, and all that is gentle and sweet for thee

The soul that is attached to anything however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union. For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds it fast; for, until the cord be broken the bird cannot fly.

Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to his good pleasure and rest in him.

Desolation is a file, and the endurance of darkness is preparation for great light.

Take God for your spouse and friend and walk with him continually, and you will not sin and will learn to love, and the things you must do will work out prosperously for you.

If you purify your soul of attachment to and desire for things, you will understand them spiritually. If you deny your appetite for them, you will enjoy their truth, understanding what is certain in them.

In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.

In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.