Posted on July 27th, 2010 by Dan Burke
A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time.
St. John of the Cross
Posted on July 20th, 2010 by Dan Burke
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.
Posted on July 13th, 2010 by Dan Burke
It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong man than to be unburdened with the weak. When you are burdened, you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience.
Saint John of the Cross
Posted on June 29th, 2010 by Dan Burke
O Lord, my God, who will seek you with simple and pure love, and not find that you are all one can desire, for you show yourself first and go out to meet those who seek you?
Saint John of the Cross
Posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Dan Burke
The Lord has always revealed to mortals the treasures of his wisdom and spirit, but now that the face of evil bears itself more and more, so does the Lord bear his treasures more.
Saint John of the Cross
