December 14 is the feast of Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic, Carmelite friar, and priest.
Here are 15 quotes from Saint John of the Cross that will help strengthen you amid trial!
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it.”
"Never give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction."
“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.”
“Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion of God, which if admitted, will set the soul on fire with the Spirit of love.”
"Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him."
“In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.”
“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.”
“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.”
“To saints, their very slumber is a prayer.”
“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”
“If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark.”
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
"Have a great love for those who contradict and fail to love you, for in this way love is begotten in a heart that has no love."
“Love consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.”
"In the inner stillness where meditation leads, the Spirit secretly anoints the soul and heals our deepest wounds."