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

love is the inclination, strength, and power for the soul in making its way to God, for love unites it with God. The more degrees of love it has, the more deeply it enters into God and centers itself in him.

If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark.

My soul is detached From every thing created, And raised above itself Into a life delicious, Of God alone supported. And therefore I will say, That what I most esteem Is that my soul is now Without support, and with support.