Saint John of the Cross

"Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross. [...]

The gate that gives entry into these riches of his wisdom is the cross; because it is a narrow gate, while many seek the joys that can be gained through it, it is given to few to desire to pass through it."  -- From a spiritual Canticle by Saint John of the Cross; Liturgy of the Hours, vol. I, Office of Readings, 1246-7.

Advent

"Be crucified with Me. To be crucified is to be stretched against your desires, against the love of self...in poverty, obscurity, and obedience to the Father. Remember that the crucifixion is the prelude to the resurrection, that is, to all joys."  -- Jesus to Gabrielle Bossis; June 3, 1939

"When the love of the cross sinks deep into a person, he lives in a joy that the world can never know. For the world has only pleasures, but joy belongs to Me and Mine, My friend."  -- Jesus to Gabrielle Bossis; November 19, 1939