"Sayings of Light and Love"

Here are some words of wisdom from Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591), Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church. These are from his "Sayings of Light and Love" which he wrote in his role as a spiritual director. There are 175 of these sayings in the book The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, and for the most part they are to be mulled over and meditated on in order that we may gain their full meaning.

The Lord has always revealed to mortals the treasures of his wisdom and spirit, but now that the face of evil bares itself more and more, so does the Lord bare his treasures more.

A soul enkindled with love is a gentle, meek, humble and patient soul. The meek are those who know how to suffer their neighbor and themselves.

Do not be suspicious of your brother, for you will lose purity of heart.

Because the virtues you have in mind do not shine in your neighbor, do not think that your neighbor will not be precious in God's sight for reasons that you have not in mind.

That should be enough for one day. Perhaps we shall return to Saint John of the Cross at another time . . . after I have internalized these "Sayings."


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Art: Drawing by John of the Cross:
Jesus crucified