Thoughts of St John of God

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Thoughts ofSt John of God


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Thoughts of St John of God

Compiled by David Toohey

Dedicated to Rev. Bro. John Gibson O.H.

On the occasion of his

Silver Jubilee of Profession

2 February 1976

INTRODUCTION

This is an attempt to assemble quotable quotes from Our HolyFather, St. John of God. It is an attempt to present a systematicform, and his own words: Thoughts of St. John of God.

Castro described John in his preface as a man of much silenceand few words; he spoke of things only pertaining to charity andhelp for the poor. Nevertheless, these quotes are drawn fromJohns actual words, his letters, and his sayings, as recorded byCastro.

It seems presumptuous to try to capture the spirit of St. John ofGod in words. It is impossible to capture and objectify a flame ofcharity on paper. Love is action, not words, or as St. Bernard

summarized it, Love Serves.

Love is not to be just words of mere talk but something real andactive.

(1 John 3, 18.)


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THOUGHTS OF ST. JOHN OF GOD

ALMS

Who wishes to do good to [themselves] ? Do good for thelove of God, my brother [and sister] in Christ. (Johnsstreet cry. Castro. Chap.12.)

If we stop to think how great is the mercy of God, wewould never cease doing all the good we can, for while we

on our side, for love of him, give to the poor what he givesus he promises us a hundred fold in Heavenly glory. Oh,what a fine profit and interest! Who will not give all he hasto this wonderful merchant who makes such a goodbargain with us? (1D, 12)

Giving either here or there, all is profit. (1D, 15)

He is not cheating me, that is his business, I give himalms for the love of God and when asked, I give.

(Johns reply to critics of Almsgiving Castro, Chpt, 14)

I give myself to God that I am asking for him, so that I cangive through him.

(Johns words when asking for alms. Statement of witnessFrances Fernandez in GomezMoreno PrimicicsHistoricas de San Juan de Dios, P. 222.)

Give to the poor what He (God) gives us. (1D, 12)

BEREAVEMENT COUNSELLING

Already our Lord Jesus Christ has willed to take to himselfa daughter whom he loved much, Lady Frances.......... By

reason of our faith and what we have seen done by her on


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earth, each and every one of us who knew her cannot doless then believe that she is now at rest with Jesus Christ,and all the angels of the Heavenly court.......... Since itpleases our Lord to deprive us of so great a good, may he

be blessed forever, for he knows both what he is doingand what is beneficial for us, better than we think!

(2D, 4)

BENEFACTORS

My sister in Jesus Christ, noble duchess, the angels havealready written in the Heavenly book of life the alms yousent me. The ring was so well pawned that with theproceeds I have got clothes for two poor persons whowere covered with sores. These alms are now beforeJesus Christ praying for you. The alb and candlesticks Istraightway put on the altar in your name, so you willshare in all the Masses and Prayers said there. For all ofthat, may our Lord Jesus Christ reward you in Heaven.

(1D, 4)

Noble duchess, I ask, so it pleases God, that you makeprofit by the alms where others have lost. Four ducats arein question. (1D, 15)

My beloved sister in Jesus Christ, I ask you for love atJesus Christ to take pity on my troubles, hardships andneeds as God will take pity on you and on all that is yours,

and on as many as God wills and orders. (2D, 17)

The other ring was so pawned that you now hold it inHeaven. (2D, l8)


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Forgive me for causing you so much trouble, but one dayit will be rewarded.

(1L, 11)

God save you Brothers [and Sisters], pray to the Lord forthose who are good to you.

(Castro, Chapt.12. Johns words to his poor on returningfrom begging.)

BLESSING

May Jesus Christ save and keep all your company and allwhom God wishes and orders to be saved. (2D, 2)

May you be blessed by God, you and all your generation.Since I cannot see you I, though an unworthy sinner, sendyou my blessing. May God who created you give you thegrace to be saved. The blessing of God the Father, thelove of the Son and the grace of the Holy Spirit is with you,and with all, and with me. Amen, Jesus. May you beconsoled and helped by Jesus Christ. (3D, 5)

May our Lord, Jesus Christ, reward you in Heaven for thegood work you have done for love of Christ, and the poor,and myself. May Jesus Christ repay you for it. AmenJesus. (1L, 9)

Give me your blessing, and recommend me to the Lord,

and place your holy hand upon my head, and He willreward you for all the affection and welcome you haveshown me since I came into your house.

(Johns words of farewell to his Uncle after revisitingMontemor 0 Novo;Castro, Chapter 3.)

God save you, guard and guide you in his Holy Service,

you and all the world. (L.B.12)Stay with God, and go with God. (L.B.14)


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CHARITY

Love our Lord, Jesus Christ, above everything in the

world, because the more you love Him, the more He willlove you. Have charity always, for where charity is notfound God is not there, even though he is everywhere.

(L.B.10)

Have charity first towards our own souls, cleansing themby confession and penance; then charity towards ourneighbors and our brethren, wishing them that which wedesire ourselves. (3D, 9)

Have charity, first for our own souls, then with theneighbor. For, as water quenches fire, so charityquenches sin.(1D, 12)

We owe God love that we may love the HeavenlyFather above everything in the world.(3D, 14)

Let us all exert ourselves for love of Jesus Christ .Above all, my sister, always keep charity, which is themother of all virtues. (3D, 19)

I give myself to God, what I have is yours. (Castro,Chapter 14.)

CONCERN

Any misfortune of yours affects me too, and I rejoice overall your blessings. (LB. 2)

I wanted to tell you about so many of my troubles, sinceyou sympathize with them I would with yours, andbecause you love Jesus Christ well, and you sympathizewith His children, the poor. (1L. 7)

Your lesser brother, John of God.....who longs for thesalvation of all as for his own. (2L, S.)

How unhappy I am, what an account I shall have to give


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to God for my brother who through fear of a little sufferinghas cut himself off from the bosom of Holy Mother Churchand denied the truths of our faith by being unable toEndure a little suffering.

(Johns concern for his friend who lost his faith inCeuta. Chapter 5, Castro.)

When you go to bed, noble duchess, make the sign of thecross, bless yourself, and renew your belief in the Faith,saying the creed, the Our Father, Hail Mary and Hail HolyQueen, these being the four prayers holy mother churchcommands us to say. (1D, 7)

CONCERN FOR THE POOR

John, would it be not so much better to wait upon, carefor, guide, and feed the poor of Jesus Christ, than thebeasts of the field? .......Lead me, 0 Lord, to the time whenI can do it. (Johns prayer as a shepherd,

Chapt.4.,Castro.)

Seeing so many poor people suffering, and they, mybrothers and sisters, with so many needs, both of bodyand soul, since I cannot help them, I am very sad.

(1L.5)

The poor are many, and costs here are high and all thatwithout income. But Jesus

Christ looks to everything,since I do nothing. (2D. 14)

CROSS

The cross must be borne by


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everyone who wishes to be saved, in accord with the goodpleasure of God the grace He gives them, though all areaiming at the goal, yet each one goes by their own road,as God guides them.

DEALING WITH BUSINESS PEOPLE

It is better that I go myself, rather than send them a letter,for they have so much business and so many poor peopleto give alms to that, if a person is not on the spot, theysoon forgot the things mentioned by letter. (1D, l6)

DEATH

Your disobedient and lesser brother John of God, dying ifit so pleases God, yet none the less keeping my peaceand hoping in God, who longs for the salvation of all asmuch as for his own. (2D, 20)

Think how death finishes and puts an end to all that thispoor world can give us, and let us take nothing with us buta piece of ragged and badly sewn cloth. (3D, 13)

I pray you for the love of Jesus Christ to keep three thingsin mind, and they are: the hour of death, from which noone can escape; the pains of Hell; the glory andblessedness of Paradise. (3D, 18)

My brothers [and sisters], God knows that I long to dieamong you but since God wills me to die without seeingyou, may his holy will be done.. My children be atpeace and if we do not see one another again, pray to theLord for me.

(Johns farewell to his poor. Castro, Chapt.20.)

Jesus, Jesus, into your hands I commend myself.(Final words of John, Chapter. 20, Castro.)


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DEPRESSION

When you feel depressed, have recourse to the Passion

of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and his precious wounds, andyou will feel great consolation. Examine his whole life.Why was he tired out if not to give us example? By day hepreached, by night he prayed. Wherefore, then, should wepoor sinners hanker for repose and riches, seeing that,even if the whole world were ours, we would be no betteroff, nor would we be more content oven if we had morethan we have? He alone is happy who, despising

everything, loves Jesus Christ alone, and gives all for theall who is Jesus Christ.

(1D, 10)

When I am depressed, I can find no better remedy than ingazing in contemplation on Jesus Christ crucified andthinking of his most holy passion and of the distress Hesuffered in this life. (2D, 6)

Blessed be the Lord God who has now restored me tohealth and liberty, and my heart is no longer filled withsorrow and sadness as it was in the last few days.

(Johns words on his discharge from the RoyalHospital, Chapter 3, Castro.)

DETACHMENT

We must detach ourselves from all, for the all who isJesus Christ, and we must trust him alone. (2D,10)

FAITH

The virtues which lead us to Heaven are three. The first isfaith, believing all that holy mother church believes and


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holds, keeping and putting into practice what shecommands.

FORGIVENESS

Woman, sooner or later I must forgive you; therefore, Iforgive you from this moment. (John1s answer to awoman who insulted him. Castro, Chapter 15.)

FORTITUDE

Fortitude tells us to be strong and constant in the serviceof God, showing a cheerful face in trials, tribulations,weariness and sickness, as in prosperity and joy, and tobe thankful to Jesus Christ far the one and the other.

(3D, 12)

GENEROSITY

I give myself to God, what I have is yours.(Words to a beggar. Castro, Chapter 15)

GRANADA

The city is so big, and it is very cold, especially now inwintertime. (1L. 2)

GRATITUDE TO GOD

Thank our Lord, Jesus Christ, for all that He does for us,and gives us, as you are accustomed to do. If sometimes


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He sends us labours and hardships that is for our profitand further merit. (2D. 6)

You should thank God deeply for everything, for good andevil. (LB. 7)

HAPPINESS

The person alone is satisfied who, despising everything,loves Jesus Christ alone, and gives all for the all who isJesus Christ I say love Jesus Christ more than all the

world, ever trusting in Him; and for His sake love all thatthey may be saved. (1D, 9)

Do not look for consolation in this life, but rather inheaven, and always thank God for what he has deigned togive here below.

HOPE

Hope in Jesus Christ alone, who, for the trials andhardships we put up with for the love of Him in this poorlife, will give us eternal glory, through the merits of Hissacred passion, and because of his great mercy.

Consider the glory and blessedness which Jesus Christ

holds in store for those who serve Him which eye hasnot seen, nor ear heard, nor heart been able to conceive.(3D, 18)

HOSPITAL

Many are the poor who come to this house of God, so


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that between the sick and the convalescent and the staffand pilgrims, there are more than one hundred and ten.Since, moreover, this is a general hospital, anyone who isill, and all kinds of folk, are admitted generally. Thus, we

have here cripples, paralytics, lepers, deaf people, theinsane, skindiseased, and others who are very old,together with many children. Besides these, there aremany pilgrims and tramps calling here. We supply themwith heat, water, salt, and other condiments for the food.For all this, there is no income but Jesus Christ looks afterall. No day passes but that we need four and a halfducats, and at times, five, for house provisions. This is for

bread, meat, flour and wood, leaving out medicines andclothing, which are a separate expense. (1L, 3)

This is to let you know how I am, and to tell you of mylabours, needs and hardships which grow daily morenow; and ever so much more, because of both the debtsand the poor, many of whom come ill-clothed, barefooted,some with sores, covered with vermin - so much sothat we must have a man or two doing nothing else but

scalding the garments in a kettle of boiling water to killsuch vermin. This work will go on all winter to the end ofMay. So it is, sister in Jesus Christ, that my tasks growdaily more and more.

Why do you behave so cruelly and so badly towards myunfortunate brothers [and sisters], my companions inmisery? Would it not be better to take pity on their distressand to keep them clean and give them enough to eat, with

charity and love, seeing that the Catholic Sovereign hasgiven sufficient income for all their needs?

(Johns words to the attendants at the Royal Hospitalwhen he was a patient there. Chapter 0, Castro.)

May Christ give me in time the grace to have a hospital ofmy own, where I shall be able to receive the abandonedpoor, and those deprived of reason, and to serve them as

I desire.(Johns prayer as a patient in the Royal Hospital.)


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HUMILITY

My Father, I alone deserve to be driven out of Gods

house, while the poor who are in the hospital are good, Ido not know of vice in any of them, besides God toleratesthe good and the bad, and makes the sun shine on themboth, would it not be unreasonable to send them awayabandoned and afflicted from their own house.

(Johns answer to the charge that undesirables were inhis hospital. Chapter 20, Castro.)

I am the lowliest slave of the slaves of our Lord Jesus

Christ. (2L. 4)

In all this that I say here I know nothing, whereas Godknows all. (2L.6)

The lesser brother of all, John of God, - dying if it soplease God, (LB.12)

You stupid ass, you refuse through shame to enterGranada with wood on your back; now you will go there,and your vain pride will disappear.

(Johns words to himself as he forces himself to re-enter Granada after being discharged from the RoyalHospital. Chapter II, Castro.)

Leave them alone, dont say anything to them, and do nottake the crown from me; they know me and what I am,and treat me as I deserve.

(Johns answer to people who wanted to defend himfrom his detractors.Chapter 13, Castro.)

I am what you say. I have done wrong and well deserve it,


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give me another.(John turning the other cheek. Chapter 15, Castro .3

My sons [and daughters], kindly do not throw stones atme, rather mud or dirt.

(Johns humorous retort to the Granada mob during hismadness. Statement of witness Catherine de Naravaez of

Granada in Gomez Mareno. P. 205,)

Justice means being just, and giving each his own giving God the things that are Gods, and the world, whatbelongs to the world. (3D.12)

God gave me life, and as long as it lasts, I will spend it

doing penance and in serving him. I hope our Lord JesusChrist; will give me the grace to put my desire intoexecution.

(Castro, Chapter 3, Johns words on returning toMontemor U Novo.)

Though I have not been such a good slave as the others,for often I served him badly and betrayed him many times.

I am very sorry for it all. Well enough, but I would like torepent further. May God pardon me and cave the wholeworld. (LB.13)

LETTER WRITING

My brother in Jesus Christ, in writing to you I find greatrelief, for I imagine myself standing talking with you andhaving you share my troubles, for I know that you doshare them with me. (1L. 9)

I do not know what to say to you, for I am writing this in ahurry to get it off straightway. I am so hurried that I havescarcely had time to commend the matter to God, and it isnecessary to commend it at length to our Lord, Jesus

Christ, and for longer than I am able. (LB. 2)


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MARY

You wish to follow the example of our Lady, the VirginMary; ever-undefiled, who though Mother of God andQueen of the angels and first Lady of the whole world wasaccustomed to weave and work all day for her living. Bynight and for part of the day she prayed in retirement, tomake us understand that, after work is over, we shouldthank our Lord, Jesus Christ, for so much mercy shown

us, in giving us food, drink and clothing and all things,through no merit of ours. (2D, 12)

I tell you that I have found the Rosary very helpful. I hopeto God to say it as often as I can, God willing, (LD.l2)

Mother of God, help and save me and pray to your DivineSon to deliver me from this danger. (Johns prayer whenin danger in the Army.

Chapter 1. Castro.)

MERCY OF GOD

If we stop to think -how great is the mercy of God, wewould never cease doing all the good we can, for whilewe, on our side, for the love of Him, give to the poor what

he gives us. (LD.l2)

MORNING PRAYER

Give thanks to Jesus Christ as soon as you get up in themorning for the blessings and graces he gives us

continually, having created you to his own image andlikeness, and having given us the grace of being


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Christians. Beg forgiveness of Jesus Christ, for hepardons us. And pray God for the whole world. (3D.15)

At daybreak he left his call, calling out in a loud voice:Brothers, let us give thanks to the Lord; seeing the birdsgive him thanks. (Chapter 16. Castro.)

My good Father and Prelate, what do you commend(Johns greeting to the Archbishop of Granada, Chapter

20. Castro.)

I give them what help I could, for I was in a hurry toconsult Master Avila, but I did not give them as much as Iwould have liked to do. Master Avilas ordered me to leave

straightway and go back to Granada.(Johns obedience to St. John of Avila. 10.14.)

Do not leave off praying Jesus Christ for me .... that hemakes me confess truthfully all my sins and obey myConfessor . and love Jesus Christ alone and hold andbelieve all that Mother Church holds and believes.

(1L. 8)

Your disobedient and lesser brother, John ofGod, dying if it so pleases God....... (20 , 20)

ON CHOOSING AT STATE IN LIFE

If I knew for sure that you, and all here wouldprofit spiritually, I would order you to comeimmediately. But I fear for the contrary.Nevertheless, it seems to me better to let somedays go by until you can come well prepared andquite set for trials, for days of much distress, as


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well as for those which will be quite pleasant. But, on theother hand, if you were to run the risk of being lost, itwould be much better to return there. But in all that, Godknows what is best and He is aware of the truth. (L.8.4)

Already the time is near when you must choose a state oflife. If you come here you must serve God in any waywhatever. (L.8.9)

In connection with your coming here, do what seems bestto you, and as God gives you to understand. If it seemsthat you should still run round the world in search ofadventure whereby God may be more highly served, do all

that God wills and pleases. (L.8.10)

PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Always meditate on the Passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ,and his precious wounds, and say that you love Him aloneabove everything in the world, that you want and care forwhat he wishes and loves and that you detest what He[dislikes], so that it is for love of Him and his goodness,and not from any other interest, that you want to do goodand show charity to poor and needy people. (2.D.13)

There is no higher contemplation than that of the Passionof Jesus Christ, and whoever has a devotion to it will notbe lost, with the help of Jesus Christ. (3.D.7)

Remember our Lord Jesus Christ, and his blessedPassion and how He returned good for the evil they did tohim. (LB.7)

Reflect, my child, what you have cost our Lord, and seehow much He has suffered for you, for He wishes not thedeath of a sinner. Consider that He eternally rewards

(Johns words to prostitutes exhorting them to change

their life style with the illustration of His crucifix. Chapt. 13,Castro.)


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PENANCE

We have to reveal the true state of things, and all oursins, at the feet of the Confessor and carry out thepenance he gives. We must not sin again, for JesusChrists sake, and if we sin, go quickly to confession.

(2D, 10)

Go to confession often. If possible do not go to sleep in[grave] sin any night, (L.B.10)

Brothers [and sisters] give thanks to God, who has beenwaiting so long for you to do penance, consider well inhow many ways you have offended Him. I will bring you aspiritual physician who will take care of your souls, aremedy will be found for your bodily ills. Trust in the Lord,He will provide everything as He always does for thosewho, on their part, do what they can.

(Johns words to his patients exhorting them to go to

confession. Chapter 12, Castro.)

The poor are many and the costs here are high and allthat without income. But Jesus Christ looks to everythingas I do nothing. (2D, 11)

PRAYER

Blessed be you, O Lord God, by your immense goodnessand I so great a sinner, without any merit of mine. Youdeigned to deliver me from so great a delusion andtemptation into which I fell because of my grave sins; youbrought me into a haven of safety, where I shall strive toserve you. Give your grace O Lord I beseech you with allmy heart, grant it to me and do not take away from me

your divine mercy. Deign to show me the way I mustfollow to enter your service, and to be forever your


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servant. Give peace and tranquility to my soul, so that Imay know and do your holy will.

(Johns prayer on his disembarkation at Gibralter.Chapter 6, Castro.)

Have mercy; have mercy O Lord God upon this greatsinner, who has offended you so much. (Johns prayerduring his crisis of conversion. Chapter 7. Castro.)

Jesus deliver me from the power of Satan, Jesus be withme.

(Chapter 18. Castro.)

Brothers [and sisters], why dont you pray to God for me,

that He keep me always in the hollow of His hand!(Johns words to his poor. Castro, Chapter 18)

In prayer, giving thanks to Jesus Christ as soon as youget up in the morning for the blessings and graces hegives us continually, having created you to his own imageand likeness, and having given us the grace of beingChristian. Beg forgiveness of Jesus Christ, for He pardonsus. And pray God for the whole world. (3D 15)

John would you not so much better to wait upon, care for,guide and feed the poor of Jesus Christ, than the beastsof the field? and sighing, he prayed: Lead me 0 Lord, tothe time when I can do it. (Johns prayer as a

shepherd. Chapter 4. Castro.)

PROVIDENCE

So many poor people flock here that I, myself, am oftenastonished at how they can be supported. But JesusChrist himself looks after everything, and providessomething for them to eat. (1.L.2)

There are many pilgrims and tramps calling here. We

supply them with heat, water, salt, and other condimentsfor the food, for all this, there is no income. But Jesus


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Christ looks after all. (1.L.3)

I have charge of one hundred and fifty persons, and Godprovides daily for their needs. (2.L.2)

My sister in Jesus Christ, I thought to come to you forChristmas, but Jesus Christ has arranged things betterthan I deserved. (3.D.4)

Tell him for the love of God never to forget me in hisprayers to the Divine Majesty. With this alone I will besatisfied, and I am certain His help will never fail me.(Johns words to a messenger of St. John of Avila in RoyalHospital, Chapter 9. Castro.)

The poor are many, and costs here are high and allthat without income. But Jesus Christ looks to everything,since I do nothing. (2D, 14)

PRUDENCE

Prudence teaches us to behave prudently and wisely ineverything that we have to do and think, seeking advicefrom those older, and those who know more then me.

(3D, 12)

PURGING OF THE SOUL

Gold is a very precious metal, which to shine and havethe colour it should have to be prized, is first separatedfrom the earth and dross in which it is made, then purgedby fire to be left clear and pure. So it is fitting that thesame, which is so valuable and precious, be separatedfrom the sins and sensualities of earth and left alone withJesus Christ. Then it is purged in the fire of love by trials,

fastings, disciplines and harsh penances so that it is highlyprized by Jesus Christ and shines resplendently in the


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Divine Presence (30, 11)

May our Lord save your soul; for in this poor life living wellis the key for him who would be saved. All else is nothing.

(1L.12)

RECOLLECTION

Every day of your life keep God before your eyes. See theMass out to the end. (LB.1O)

RELIGIOUS STATE

Already the time is near when you must choose a state oflife. If you come here, you must serve God in any waywhatsoever .. If you come here you must come only towork, and not to be idle, for the hardest tasks are given

the favourite son. (LB. 9)

SELF DISCIPLINE

It seems to me you are going on like a rolling stone. It willbe good for you to discipline your flesh a little, and lead a

hard life, to know hunger and thirst and shame andweariness, hardships, troubles and trials all that has tobe borne for God if you come here, and you will have toput up with all of it for the love of God, (LB. 6)

Had you nothing to eat today? If you have eaten, whydont you work, so that the poor for whom you labour mayhave bread to eat; do you not realize that he whom you


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are carrying is halfdead with the cold?(Johns words to himself after he fell with a beggar onhis shoulders. Chapt.l7. Castro.)

This little donkey needs to be well loaded up to work andserve the poor of Jesus Christ. (Words of John abouthimself.

(Testimony of Honofrius Hurtado de Mendoza,in Gomez-Moreno. P. 241)

SERVICE

We owe God service that we may serve him as Lord, notwith an eye to the glory He will give those who serve him,but for his own goodness alone.

(30.15.)

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Noble duchess, awake or asleep, always have your feetin the stirrups. For, if we stop to think, we are in a state ofcontinuous war with the world, the devil and the flesh, andwe need to watch over ourselves because we do not knowthe hour when they will knock at the door of our souls, andas we are found, so shall we bejudged. (1.D.7)

This life is nothing but a warfare inwhich we find ourselves continually,all the time we dwell in this place ofexile and valley of tears. (2.L.7)

Say to my good father, may Christreward you for the good you do me,His slave, and wicked and uselessservant, whom He conquered in


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battle, and trust in His Infinite mercy. (Johns message toSt. John of Avila when he was in the Royal Hospital.Chapter 9, Castro.)

Pray to God for me, for I am in the midst of a great warand conflict. (20, 18)

STATES OF LIFE

The cross must be borne by everyone who wishes to besaved, in accord with the good pleasures of God and the

grace He gives him, though all are aiming at the samegoal, yet each one goes by his own road, as God guideshim. Some are friars, some clerics, some hermits andothers are married folk; yes, each one whatsoever theirstate of life, can be saved, if they wish. (3D, 13)

We are all aiming at the same goals, yet each one by theroad God has been pleased to mark out for him. It istherefore right that we help one another.

(1L, 7)

Each one should embrace the state that God has fixed forhim. Therefore, fathers and mothers should not now bedistressed and grieved, but simply pray to God that he willgrant the state of grace to all their sons and daughters.When God wills, one gets married, and another singsMass. In all this that I say here I know nothing, whereas

God knows all. (2L, 7)

SUSTENANCE

In sustenance of the body for as the muleteer cares for,and looks after an animal, so that it will serve him, so it isfitting that we give what is useful to our bodies, so that


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thereby we may have strength to serve Jesus Christ.(3D.17)

TEMPERANCE

Temperance teaches us to use with moderation andsobriety the food, drink, clothing and the other thingsnecessary to support the human body. (3D.12)

THREE THINGS

The virtues which lead us to Heaven are three. The first isfaith, believing all that holy Mother church believes andholds, keeping and putting into practice what shecommands. the second, Charity The third is hope inJesus Christ alone. (3D. 8)

Three things we owe God: love, service and reverence.

(3D. 14)Good duchess, time should be spent on three thingsevery day: prayer, work, sustenance of the body.

(3D. 15)

I pray you for the love of Jesus Christ to keep three thingsin mind, and they are: the hour of death, from which noone can escape; the pains of hell; the glory andblessedness of paradise. (3D.18)

My Father and Good pastor, three things worry me, thefirst is the little service I have given God, having receivedso much from Him; the second, the poor, the womenwithdrawn from [an abusive] life, and the bashful poor;lastly, these debts which I contracted for the love of JesusChrist, and I give you this book in my hand, these are allwritten down in it.

(Johns words to the Archbishop of Granada, on hisdeath bed.


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Castro, Chapter 20.)

TIME

The Lord will Judge us as he finds us. Therefore, it will bewell to amend ourselves betimes, and not go on as thosewho say tomorrow, and again, tomorrow, and they nevermake a start. (2,D. 8)

TRANSCEDENCE

In this poor life living well is the key for him who would besaved, All else is nothing. (1L, l2)

To give here or to give in Granada is the same, all is forthe love of God, Who is everywhere. (Chapter 16,Castro,)

Think, if you went to Mortillo for four loads of fish andthree spoiled on the way, would you throw away the goodalong with the other three? Thus, one of the four we tookalong with us remains, and shows signs of goodintentions; be patient in life, we will return with her toGranada. Let us have confidence in God, with whatremains of them, our journey will not be in vain, or ourgain small. (Johns answer to a critic of his

rehabilitationof four prostitutes. Castro, Chapt.13)

TRUST IN GOD

God before, above all things in the world, trusting solely in


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Jesus Christ who is full certainty.Trust in Jesus Christonly. Unfortunate the man who puts his trust in man.Whether he likes it or not, he will be abandoned by men,but not by Jesus Christ, who is faithful and constant.

Everything is perishable except good works. (1D. 6)May he (Our Lord) be blessed forever, for He knows bothwhat he is doing and what is beneficial for us, better thanwe think. (2D, 4)

Trust solely in Jesus Christ that the duke will comeshortly, sound in body and soul, and do not be sad ordepressed, for in a little while you will be happier than you

have ever been yet. You will find that I am speaking thetruth, trusting in Jesus Christ alone (2D. 5)

We must detach ourselves from all, for the all who isJesus Christ, and we must trust in Him alone. (3D. 1O)

Keep your trust in Jesus Christ alone, so that you will beconsoled by Him. Though at present you are undergoingtrials, it is so that, at the end, your consolation and glorywill be the greater, if you bear them for the love of Jesus

Christ. (3D. 4)

I place my trust in Jesus Christ alone, that He will set mefree from debt, since He knows my heart. And so I say,accursed the man who puts his trust in men, and not inJesus Christ alone. By men he will be abandoned,whether he likes it or not, while Jesus Christ provides all,to him let thanks be given for evermore. Amen. Jesus.

(1,L, 6)

It seems it would be better before leaving this city tocommend the matter much to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

(L.B. 5)

Tell him for the love of God never to forget me in hisprayers to the Divine Majesty, with this alone I will besatisfied, and I am certain His help will never fail me.

(Johns message to St. John of Avila, Chapter 9,

Castro)


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Trust in the Lord, He will provide everything, as He alwaysdoes for those who on their part do what they can.

(Johns words to the poor, Chapter l2, Castro)

My child, trust in the Lord, He will enlighten your soul, and

give remedy to your body. What is most important for youis to serve Him, and to make a firm resolution to die ratherthan to return to a life of sin.

(Johns words to a prostitute. Chapter 13, Castro)

VOCATION

If you come here you will have to obey much and workmuch harder than you have done hitherto and all in Godscause, watchfully looking after the poor. (L.B. 7)

If you are coming here, you must come straightway ..

If you come here you must come only to work, and not tobe idle, for the hardest tasks are given to the favourite

son. (L.B. 9)

To the young people who came there, he would say:Come along brothers [and sisters], let us go to serve thepoor of Jesus Christ, and he went with then to the forestto gather firewood. (Castro, Chapter 16.)

WORK

If he (God) does not stand behind us, ofwhat use is our work, our craft, ourindustry? (2,D.13)

In work: bodily work, keeping ourselvesoccupied at some meritorious task, to

earn our daily bread. Jesus Christ, infact, worked till his death, and there is


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nothing that gives rise to sin like idleness. (3D,16)

The work I have to do here is so heavy that I have noteven the space of a Creed to spare. (2L, 2)

The good works men [and women] do are not theirs butGods. To God be honour, glory, and praise, because allthings belong to God. (2L, 7)

If you come here you must come only to work, and not tobe idle, for the hardest tasks are given to the favourite son[and daughter]. (L8.9)

This work will go on all winter to the end of next May. So itis, Sister in Jesus Christ, that my tasks grow daily moreand more. (2D.3)

My soul which has God to serve, stands in no need ofrepose.(Johns words he used to sing, softly and somewhat in the

way of auto suggestion. The Spanish words rhyme.Testimony of Marianne Auregui, in Gomez-Moreno; P.207)

This little donkey needs to be well loaded up, to work and

serve the poor of Jesus Christ. (Testimony of HonofriusHurtado de Mendoza

in GomezMoreno; P.241)

WORLD

The world attracts us with vices and wealth, promising along life and telling us: Go to it. You are young; have yourshare of pleasure! In your old age you can straightenyourself out! (3D, 7)

Think how for a few brief pleasures and amusements overso quickly, we must go pay for them in hellfire, if we die inmortal sin. (3D, 18)

For now, stay with God, and go with God. (LB.14)


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God is Love


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