John of the Cross Quotes

A collection of quotes by John of the Cross.

John of the Cross (1542-1591) was a Spanish mystic, poet, and Carmelite friar. He is best known for his spiritual writings and his contributions to Christian mysticism. John played a significant role in the reform of the Carmelite Order alongside Saint Teresa of Avila. His writings, such as "The Dark Night of the Soul" and "The Ascent of Mount Carmel," explore the journey of the soul towards union with God. John's profound teachings continue to inspire seekers of divine communion and have had a lasting impact on Christian spirituality.

He who loves is not ashamed before men of what he does for G

He who loves is not ashamed before men of what he does for God, neither does he hide it through shame though the whole world should condemn it.

John of the Cross


My soul is occupied, And all my substance in His service; No

My soul is occupied, And all my substance in His service; Now I guard no flock, Nor have I any other employment: My sole occupation is love. ~ 28

John of the Cross

Love Service Occupations

There He taught me the science full of sweetness. And there

There He taught me the science full of sweetness. And there I gave to Him Myself without reserve; There I promised to be His bride. ~ 27

John of the Cross

Science

In search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands; I

In search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands; I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts; And pass by the mighty and the frontiers. ~ 3

John of the Cross

Love

Reveal Thy presence, And let the vision and Thy beauty kill

Reveal Thy presence, And let the vision and Thy beauty kill me, Behold the malady Of love is incurable Except in Thy presence and before Thy face. ~ 11

John of the Cross

Beauty Love Vision

There is nothing better or more necessary than love.

There is nothing better or more necessary than love.

John of the Cross

Love

Let us rejoice, O my Beloved! Let us go forth to see ourselv

Let us rejoice, O my Beloved! Let us go forth to see ourselves in Thy beauty, To the mountain and the hill, Where the pure water flows: Let us enter into the heart of the thicket. ~ 36

John of the Cross

Beauty

A thousand graces diffusing He passed through the groves in

A thousand graces diffusing He passed through the groves in haste, And merely regarding them As He passed Clothed them with His beauty. ~ 5

John of the Cross

Beauty Grace Haste

Despise me not, For if I was swarthy once Thou canst regard

Despise me not, For if I was swarthy once Thou canst regard me now; Since Thou hast regarded me, Grace and beauty hast Thou given me. ~ 33

John of the Cross

Beauty Grace

The breathing of the air, The song of the sweet nightingale,

The breathing of the air, The song of the sweet nightingale, The grove and its beauty In the serene night, With the flame that consumes, and gives no pains. ~ 39

John of the Cross

Beauty Pain