On a dark night, Kindled in love with yearnings - oh, happy chance! - I went forth without being observed, My house being now at rest. In darkness and secure, By the secret ladder, disguised - oh, happy chance! - In darkness and in concealment, My house being now at rest.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker describes a spiritual journey undertaken in secrecy and darkness, guided by love rather than external light.
- In plain terms
- I left quietly at night to seek love, hidden from others and secure in my home.
- What can you take from it?
- True spiritual progress often happens in private, away from public view.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you feel most guided without a clear path?
- How does secrecy affect your spiritual growth?
Another view
This view assumes a positive spiritual outcome that not everyone experiences in darkness.
More from John of the Cross
In the happy night, In secret, when none saw me, Nor I beheld aught, Without light or guide, save that which burned in my heart.
Permalink to quote #2 Oh, night that guided me, Oh, night more lovely than the dawn, Oh, night that joined Beloved with lover, Lover transformed in the Beloved!
Permalink to quote #3 I remained, lost in oblivion; My face I reclined on the Beloved. All ceased and I abandoned myself, Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies.
Permalink to quote #4
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