Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of St John of the Cross: 20 Inspiring Quotes to Transform Your Life
Are you ready to dive into the world of St John of the Cross quotes? If so, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. This Spanish mystic and poet was known for his deep spiritual insights and poetic expressions of divine love. His quotes are not only inspiring, but they also have the power to transform your life. From the depths of despair to the heights of ecstasy, St John of the Cross covers it all. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's explore some of his most profound quotes.
First up, we have one of St John of the Cross' most famous quotes: In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone. This quote is a powerful reminder that at the end of the day, the most important thing is love. Not wealth, not success, not fame, but love. It's a humbling thought, but one that we should all keep in mind as we go about our daily lives.
Another quote that caught my attention is: The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself. This quote is a perfect example of St John of the Cross' wit and wisdom. He reminds us that the truth is powerful enough to stand on its own. We don't need to defend it or argue for it – we just need to let it be.
Next up, we have a quote that is sure to make you chuckle: Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love. This quote is a playful reminder that sometimes, we need to create the love we want to see in the world. It's easy to get caught up in negativity and despair, but if we make an effort to put love out there, we're sure to find it in return.
St John of the Cross was also known for his deep spiritual insights, and this quote is no exception: Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation. This quote reminds us that sometimes, words are not enough. Sometimes, we need to be still and listen in order to truly hear the divine.
Another quote that caught my eye is: All that the beginner in prayer has to do – and you must not forget this – is to labour and be resolute and prepare himself with all possible diligence to bring his will into conformity with God's will. This quote is a reminder that prayer is not about getting what we want, but about aligning our will with God's will. It's not always easy, but it's worth it.
St John of the Cross was also known for his poetic expressions of divine love, and this quote is a beautiful example: Where there is great love, there are always miracles. This quote reminds us that love is a powerful force that can work miracles in our lives and in the world around us.
Another quote that caught my attention is: The soul that is attached to anything, however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union. This quote is a reminder that true freedom comes from letting go of attachments and surrendering to the divine.
St John of the Cross was also known for his wisdom on the spiritual journey, and this quote is a powerful reminder of that: God is closer to us than water is to a fish. This quote reminds us that God is always with us, even when we can't see or feel His presence.
Another quote that caught my eye is: Wherefore it is now necessary that the soul should be healed of the impediments which its past life has left within it, if it is to attain to that perfection of union with God which is its proper end. This quote is a reminder that the spiritual journey requires us to let go of our past and heal from our wounds in order to reach our true potential.
Finally, we have a quote that is sure to inspire: Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing. This quote is a reminder that we should always keep our focus on the divine, even in the midst of the chaos and distractions of the world around us.
Overall, St John of the Cross' quotes are a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration, and insight. Whether you're looking for guidance on the spiritual journey, reminders of the power of love, or simply a good laugh, his words have something for everyone. So, take some time to explore his quotes and see what speaks to your heart. Who knows – you might just find the inspiration you've been looking for.
Introduction
St. John of the Cross was a Spanish mystic, poet, and Roman Catholic saint. Born in 1542, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Christian mysticism. He was a member of the Carmelite order and is known for his writings on spiritual growth and the search for God. His quotes are still relevant today and offer valuable insights into the human experience. In this article, we will be exploring some of St. John of the Cross's most famous quotes.The Dark Night of the Soul
One of St. John's most famous works is The Dark Night of the Soul, where he describes the process of spiritual purification. In this book, he explains that the journey towards God involves a period of darkness, where the soul experiences a profound sense of emptiness and loss. He writes, In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God.This quote highlights the idea that even in our darkest moments, God is present and guiding us towards spiritual fulfillment. It reminds us that we should not be afraid of the challenges we face, but rather embrace them as opportunities for growth.The Pursuit of Happiness
St. John of the Cross believed that true happiness could only be found through a deep connection with God. He wrote, 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.This quote reminds us that our attachments to material possessions and worldly pleasures can hold us back from experiencing true happiness and fulfillment. We must learn to let go of these attachments and focus on our spiritual growth.The Importance of Silence
St. John of the Cross was a strong advocate for silence and solitude. He believed that it was essential for spiritual growth and allowed us to connect with God on a deeper level. He wrote, Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation.This quote highlights the idea that words can only express so much, and true understanding can only be found in stillness and quiet contemplation. It reminds us that we should make time for silence in our busy lives and embrace the peace that comes with it.The Search for God
St. John of the Cross believed that the search for God was the most important journey we could undertake. He wrote, The soul that longs for God, and nothing else, has already found Him.This quote emphasizes the idea that our desire for God is what ultimately leads us towards spiritual fulfillment. It reminds us that we should focus on our relationship with God above all else and trust that everything else will fall into place.The Perils of Attachment
St. John of the Cross believed that attachment to material possessions and worldly pleasures was one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth. He wrote, If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark.This quote highlights the idea that we must learn to let go of our attachments and trust in God's guidance. It reminds us that our pursuit of material possessions can blind us to the true path towards spiritual fulfillment.The Power of Faith
St. John of the Cross believed that faith was a powerful force that could drive us towards spiritual growth. He wrote, Faith is like the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.This quote emphasizes the idea that even in our darkest moments, faith can give us the strength to carry on. It reminds us that we should trust in God's guidance and have faith in our own spiritual journey.The Illusion of Control
St. John of the Cross believed that our desire for control was one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth. He wrote, To come to the pleasure you have not, you must go by a way in which you enjoy not. To come to the knowledge you have not, you must go by a way in which you know not.This quote highlights the idea that we must learn to let go of our need for control and trust in God's plan for us. It reminds us that our pursuit of control can blind us to the true path towards spiritual fulfillment.The Importance of Love
St. John of the Cross believed that love was the foundation of all spiritual growth. He wrote, Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.This quote emphasizes the idea that love can drive us towards spiritual fulfillment and help us connect with God on a deeper level. It reminds us that we should strive to cultivate love in all aspects of our lives.The Beauty of Creation
St. John of the Cross believed that the beauty of creation was a reflection of God's presence in the world. He wrote, The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn, and Egypt's glory in one drop of Nile water.This quote highlights the idea that even the smallest things in life can hold great meaning and beauty. It reminds us that we should appreciate the world around us and see God's presence in all things.Conclusion
St. John of the Cross's quotes offer valuable insights into the human experience and guide us towards spiritual growth and fulfillment. They remind us to let go of our attachments, trust in God's guidance, and cultivate love in all aspects of our lives. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can find strength and comfort in these timeless words of wisdom.St. John of the Cross Quotes
Knock, knock. Who's there? St. John of the Cross. St. John of the who? Exactly. Just a famous and highly respected Spanish mystic and poet. But don't worry if you've never heard of him before, it's not like he's the next Kardashian or anything.
Nutella vs. God's Love
St. John of the Cross once said, I have never tasted a finer dessert than the sense of being beloved by God. Clearly, he never tried Nutella. I mean, have you ever had that stuff on toast? It's practically heaven in a jar. But in all seriousness, the love of God is pretty sweet too.
Hardcore Christian Quoting
You know you're a hardcore Christian when you start quoting St. John of the Cross and everyone around you thinks he's a brand of scotch. But let's be real, his quotes are pretty inspiring. Plus, it's always good to mix things up and throw in a little medieval mysticism now and then.
Frustration of a Saint
St. John of the Cross may have been a saint, but I bet he still got frustrated when he couldn't find his keys in the morning. I mean, even the holiest among us still have to deal with everyday annoyances. But hey, at least he had some pretty profound things to say while he was searching for his keys.
Hallmark Greeting Cards
St. John of the Cross' poetry is so beautiful, it makes you wonder why he never went into Hallmark greeting cards. I mean, can you imagine receiving a card with one of his quotes on it? It would make even the toughest of hearts melt.
Anxious About Love
St. John of the Cross once said, In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone. And I'm over here like, Oh great, another thing to be anxious about. But in all seriousness, he's got a point. Love is pretty important, whether it's the love of God or the love of your fellow human beings.
Secret to True Happiness
St. John of the Cross knew the secret to true happiness: Where there is no love, put love and you will find love. Or maybe just get a dog. I mean, they're basically walking bundles of unconditional love. But in all honesty, St. John of the Cross' words are pretty wise. Sometimes, all it takes is a little love to make everything better.
Deep Mysterious Voice
I don't always quote St. John of the Cross, but when I do, I make sure to say it in a deep, mysterious voice. I mean, his words are pretty profound, so you've got to give them the respect they deserve. Plus, it's always fun to channel your inner medieval mystic every once in a while.
Sharing on Social Media
St. John of the Cross would be so proud to know that his work has been turned into memes and shared on social media for all to enjoy. I mean, who says medieval mystics can't be hip and cool? And let's be honest, sometimes a good meme is all you need to brighten up your day.
Selfies and Medieval Mysticism
St. John of the Cross was undoubtedly a wise and holy man, but let's be honest: he probably had no idea what a 'selfie' was. I mean, can you imagine showing him your Instagram feed? He'd probably be like, What sorcery is this? But even in our modern world, his words still hold a lot of wisdom and truth.
St John Of The Cross Quotes
The Story of St. John of the Cross and His Quotes
St. John of the Cross was a Spanish mystic and a Carmelite friar who lived in the 16th century. He is known for his contemplative writings and poetry that are still being read and studied today. But despite his profound words, St. John of the Cross had a funny side to him. Here are some of his quotes and my point of view about them:
Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love.
This quote by St. John of the Cross may sound like a cliché, but it's actually quite profound. It means that if you want to receive love, you must first give love. Even if the people around you are not loving, you can still spread love and eventually attract it. It's like planting a seed, and waiting for it to grow. And if all else fails, you can always bribe them with chocolate.
In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.
This quote by St. John of the Cross reminds us that at the end of our lives, all that will matter is how much we have loved. Not money, not status, not fame, but love. So, let's not waste our time chasing after things that won't matter in the end. Instead, let's focus on loving others and making the world a better place. And if we can do that while eating pizza, even better.
Table of Keywords:
| Keywords | Definition |
|---|---|
| St. John of the Cross | A Spanish mystic and a Carmelite friar who lived in the 16th century. |
| Cliché | An overused phrase or idea. |
| Contemplative | Deeply thoughtful; meditative. |
| Profound | Having great depth or seriousness. |
| Bribe | To persuade someone to do something by offering them a gift or reward. |
| Judged | To form an opinion or conclusion about; to evaluate. |
| Chasing | To pursue or run after something or someone. |
| Pizza | A delicious Italian dish that everyone loves. |
Conclusion
St. John of the Cross may have been a serious mystic, but his quotes can also be seen from a humorous point of view. His words of wisdom can inspire us to spread love and make the world a better place, even if it means bribing people with chocolate or eating pizza. Let's all strive to be more like St. John of the Cross, and remember that love is all that matters in the end.
Farewell, dear friends – or as St. John of the Cross would say, adios, amigos!
Well, it looks like we've come to the end of our journey through some of St. John of the Cross's most inspiring and thought-provoking quotes. It's been a pleasure to have you along for the ride, and I hope you've found his words as enlightening and uplifting as I have.
As we bid adieu, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at some of the highlights from our time together. So, without further ado, let's jump right in!
First up, we have one of my personal favorites: Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love. This quote really speaks to me because it reminds me that sometimes, when we're not feeling particularly loving or kind, we need to take action anyway. By putting love out into the world, we create a ripple effect that has the potential to touch countless lives.
Another gem that we explored was In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone. This one is a bit sobering, but it's also incredibly empowering. It encourages us to focus on what truly matters in life – not our worldly possessions or achievements, but the love we give and receive.
Of course, we can't forget about To reach satisfaction in all, desire satisfaction in nothing. This quote challenges us to let go of our attachment to material possessions and external validation, and instead find contentment within ourselves. It's a powerful reminder that true happiness comes from within, not from the things we accumulate or the opinions of others.
Moving on, we have Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation. This quote is particularly poignant in our fast-paced, noisy world. It reminds us to slow down, tune out the distractions, and listen for the still, small voice of God within us.
And who could forget If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark? This quote challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. It encourages us to have faith in ourselves and in the journey, even when we can't see the path ahead clearly.
Of course, these are just a few of the many insightful and inspiring quotes from St. John of the Cross that we've explored together. I hope that you'll continue to seek out his wisdom and guidance in your own life, and that these words will stay with you long after our journey has ended.
Before I sign off, I want to thank you once again for joining me on this adventure. It's been a pleasure to share St. John of the Cross's incredible insights with you, and I hope that you've found them as meaningful as I have.
So, until next time – or as St. John of the Cross might say, hasta la vista! – keep seeking, keep growing, and keep spreading love wherever you go.
People Also Ask About St John Of The Cross Quotes
Who is St John of the Cross?
St John of the Cross is a Spanish mystic, poet, and Catholic saint who lived during the 16th century. He is known for his writings on spiritual growth and contemplation.
What are some famous quotes by St John of the Cross?
St John of the Cross has left behind many powerful quotes that still resonate with people today. Here are some of his most famous ones:
- Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.
- To come to the pleasure you have not, you must go by a way in which you enjoy not.
- In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but on how well we have loved.
What do these quotes mean?
Well, let's break them down:
- The first quote speaks to the power of love. St John of the Cross believed that even in situations where love is lacking, we can choose to bring it forth from within ourselves.
- The second quote is about the importance of pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones in order to grow. Sometimes the things that bring us the greatest joy are the things that challenge us the most.
- The third quote is a reminder that at the end of the day, what matters most is how much we loved others. Our material possessions and accomplishments won't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
Can St John of the Cross' quotes be funny?
Well, we certainly think so! Here are some examples of how you could add a humorous twist to his words:
- Where there is no love, pour wine in, and you will draw love out. (Hey, it worked for us!)
- To come to the pleasure you have not, you must go by a way in which you enjoy not... like taking a cold shower, for example.
- In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes... but if we can still do the Macarena.
Okay, maybe those aren't the best examples - but the point is, even spiritual teachings can be infused with humor!