Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

St. John of the Cross – Juan de la Cruz

I read St. John of the Cross a decade ago just before and after my conversion and reception into the Church.  Being a neophyte, and 29-30 years old, I found him, frankly, offputting.  Gloomy, depressing, etc.

While certainly not wise, it can be said that… we are wiser now.

A few choice quotes from San Juan de la Cruz, that we cling to:

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In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.

However softly we speak, God is so close to us that he can hear us; nor do we need wings to go in search of him, but merely to seek solitude and contemplate him within ourselves, without being surprised to find such a good Guest there.

Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.

Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.

Never give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction.