In this detachment the spiritual soul finds its quiet and repose; for, since it covets nothing, nothing wearies it when it is lifted up, and nothing oppresses it when it is cast down, because it is in the center of its humility; but when it covets anything, at that very moment it becomes wearied. – St. John of the Cross
Sometimes when I am in such a state of spiritual dryness that not a single good thought occurs to me, I say very slowly the “Our Father,” or the “Hail Mary,” and these prayers suffice to take me out of myself. – St. Therese
God knows what is best for all, and orders affairs for our good. Think on this only, that all is ordained by God. And pour in love where there is no love, and you will draw love out. -St. John of the Cross
Don’t pay too much attention to whether you are fervent or discouraged; it is the law of our exile to pass from one state to the other like that. – Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity
There is a soft nocturnal glow in a mind that is freed…calmed and meditative. – St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein)
If you desire that devotion be born in your spirit and that the love of God and the desire for divine things increase, cleanse your soul of every desire, attachment, and ambition in such a way that you have no concern about anything. Just as a sick person is immediately…
O my powerful God, how sublime are Your secrets, and how different spiritual things are from all that is visible and understandable here below. – St. Teresa of Avila
When we have prayed to the Blessed Virgin and she has not given us what we asked for, we should let her do what she pleases, without insisting on our request; and after that let us not worry any more about it. – St. Therese
I find I am doing nothing to correspond to love…I feel within me a continual reproach of the Sovereign Good, and on the other hand everything seems to hinder me from simply rushing forward to God…I find no other remedy but to live by faith. I cannot imagine what painful…
It remains to be said, then, that even though this happy night darkens the spirit, it does so only to impart light concerning all things; and even though it humbles individuals and reveals their miseries, it does so only to exalt them; and even though it impoverishes and empties them…