I have had great enlightenment from the writings of St…
““I have had great enlightenment from the writings of St. John of the Cross. When I was between seventeen and eighteen, they were my only spiritual food. But as I grew older, religious writers left me quite unmoved. I’m still like that. If I glance at a book, no matter how good and moving it is, my heart at once contracts and I read without understanding or, if I understand, I cannot meditate on it. When I’m in this state, the Bible and The Imitation come to my rescue. In them I find hidden manna, a pure and substantial food. But, above all, the Gospels help me in my prayers. They are always showing me new ways of looking at things, and I am always finding hidden and mysterious meanings in them. I understand and, by experience, I know that the Kingdom of God is within us. Jesus has no need of books or doctors of the Church to guide souls. He, the Doctor of doctors, can teach without words. I have never heard Him speak, but I know that He is within me. He guides and inspires me every moment of the day. Just when I need it, a new light shines on my problems. This happens not so much during my hours of prayer as when I’m busy with my daily work.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual insight comes from inner experience rather than external texts; true guidance is internal and personal.
In simple terms: Inner guidance beats external teachings.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner silence and personal insight.
Themes
spirituality
inner guidance
personal experience
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- daily work
- prayer
- reading
- meditation
Key Concepts
mysticism
inner revelation
faith
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern inner truth from external teachings?
- What practices help you hear inner guidance?
A Different Perspective
May overlook communal wisdom and tradition.