Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction

Sayings of Light and Love #5


Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide (spiritual director) will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor (caregiver and protector). No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens.

Saint John of the Cross

Note: The notes in the brackets above are translation helps for the reader. St. John wrote these sayings individually, but they often follow themes. This saying and a number of others that follow  are on the topic of spiritual direction. Essentially, St. John indicates that without a spiritual director for protection and guidance, any potential fruit that the pilgrim might bear will be plundered before it even has a chance to emerge.

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  • Cathy

    I really needed this today. It tells me that God knows my mind and my heart, and He knows better what I need than I do! Thank you for allowing Christ to work through you to touch all!