San Juan de la Cruz

"...the clearer the light is, the more it blinds and darkens the pupil of the owl; and the more we look at the sun, the greater is the darkness it causes in our vision ... in the same way, when the divine light of contemplation assails the soul that is not wholly enlightened, it causes spiritual darkness within it."

"God has to work in the soul in secret and in darkness because if we fully knew what was happening, and what Mystery, transformation, God and Grace will eventually ask of us, we would either try to take charge or stop the whole process."

"While I don't equate the dark night with depression, I do think our depressive moods could be imagined spiritually rather than only psychologically."

"Where there is no love, put love -- and you will find love."

"Well and good if all things change, O Lord God, provided I am rooted in You."