Thoughts of St John of God

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 Holy Father, St. John of God. It is an attempt to present a systematic form, and his own words: Thoughts of St. John of God. Castro described John in his preface as a man of much silence and few words; he spoke of things only pertaining to charity and help for the poor. Nevertheless, these quotes are drawn from Johns actual words, his letters, and his sayings, as recorded by Castro. It seems presumptuous to try to capture the spirit of St. John of God in words. It is impossible to capture and objectify a flame of charity 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 and active. (1 John 3, 18.)

THOUGHTS OF ST. JOHN OF GOD

ALMS
Who wishes to do good to [themselves] ? Do good for the love of God, my brother [and sister] in Christ. (Johns street cry. Castro. Chap.12.) If we stop to think how great is the mercy of God, we would never cease doing all the good we can, for while we on our side, for love of him, give to the poor what he gives us he promises us a hundred fold in Heavenly glory. Oh, what a fine profit and interest! Who will not give all he has to this wonderful merchant who makes such a good bargain 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 him alms 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 can give through him. (Johns words when asking for alms. Statement of witness Frances Fernandez in GomezMoreno Primicics Historicas 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 himself a daughter whom he loved much, Lady Frances.......... By reason of our faith and what we have seen done by her on

earth, each and every one of us who knew her cannot do less then believe that she is now at rest with Jesus Christ, and all the angels of the Heavenly court.......... Since it pleases our Lord to deprive us of so great a good, may he be blessed forever, for he knows both what he is doing and what is beneficial for us, better than we think! (2D, 4)

BENEFACTORS
My sister in Jesus Christ, noble duchess, the angels have already written in the Heavenly book of life the alms you sent me. The ring was so well pawned that with the proceeds I have got clothes for two poor persons who were covered with sores. These alms are now before Jesus Christ praying for you. The alb and candlesticks I straightway put on the altar in your name, so you will share in all the Masses and Prayers said there. For all of that, may our Lord Jesus Christ reward you in Heaven. (1D, 4) Noble duchess, I ask, so it pleases God, that you make profit by the alms where others have lost. Four ducats are in question. (1D, 15) My beloved sister in Jesus Christ, I ask you for love at Jesus Christ to take pity on my troubles, hardships and needs 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 in Heaven. (2D, l8)

Forgive me for causing you so much trouble, but one day it will be rewarded. (1L, 11) God save you Brothers [and Sisters], pray to the Lord for those who are good to you. (Castro, Chapt.12. Johns words to his poor on returning from begging.)

BLESSING
May Jesus Christ save and keep all your company and all whom 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, send you my blessing. May God who created you give you the grace to be saved. The blessing of God the Father, the love of the Son and the grace of the Holy Spirit is with you, and with all, and with me. Amen, Jesus. May you be consoled and helped by Jesus Christ. (3D, 5) May our Lord, Jesus Christ, reward you in Heaven for the good work you have done for love of Christ, and the poor, and myself. May Jesus Christ repay you for it. Amen Jesus. (1L, 9) Give me your blessing, and recommend me to the Lord, and place your holy hand upon my head, and He will reward you for all the affection and welcome you have shown me since I came into your house. (Johns words of farewell to his Uncle after revisiting Montemor 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)

CHARITY
Love our Lord, Jesus Christ, above everything in the world, because the more you love Him, the more He will love you. Have charity always, for where charity is not found God is not there, even though he is everywhere. (L.B.10) Have charity first towards our own souls, cleansing them by confession and penance; then charity towards our neighbors and our brethren, wishing them that which we desire ourselves. (3D, 9) Have charity, first for our own souls, then with the neighbor. For, as water quenches fire, so charity quenches sin.(1D, 12) We owe God love that we may love the Heavenly Father 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 the mother 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 over all your blessings. (LB. 2) I wanted to tell you about so many of my troubles, since you sympathize with them I would with yours, and because you love Jesus Christ well, and you sympathize with His children, the poor. (1L. 7) Your lesser brother, John of God.....who longs for the salvation of all as for his own. (2L, S.) How unhappy I am, what an account I shall have to give

to God for my brother who through fear of a little suffering has cut himself off from the bosom of Holy Mother Church and denied the truths of our faith by being unable to Endure a little suffering. (Johns concern for his friend who lost his faith in Ceuta. Chapter 5, Castro.) When you go to bed, noble duchess, make the sign of the cross, bless yourself, and renew your belief in the Faith, saying the creed, the Our Father, Hail Mary and Hail Holy Queen, these being the four prayers holy mother church commands us to say. (1D, 7)

CONCERN FOR THE POOR

John, would it be not so much better to wait upon, care for, guide, and feed the poor of Jesus Christ, than the beasts of the field? .......Lead me, 0 Lord, to the time when I can do it. (Johns prayer as a shepherd, Chapt.4.,Castro.) Seeing so many poor people suffering, and they, my brothers and sisters, with so many needs, both of body and soul, since I cannot help them, I am very sad. (1L.5) The poor are many, and costs here are high and all that without income. But Jesus Christ looks to everything, since I do nothing. (2D. 14)

CROSS
The cross must be borne by

everyone who wishes to be saved, in accord with the good pleasure of God the grace He gives them, though all are aiming 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 people to give alms to that, if a person is not on the spot, they soon forgot the things mentioned by letter. (1D, l6)

DEATH
Your disobedient and lesser brother John of God, dying if it so pleases God, yet none the less keeping my peace and hoping in God, who longs for the salvation of all as much as for his own. (2D, 20) Think how death finishes and puts an end to all that this poor world can give us, and let us take nothing with us but a piece of ragged and badly sewn cloth. (3D, 13) I pray you for the love of Jesus Christ to keep three things in mind, and they are: the hour of death, from which no one can escape; the pains of Hell; the glory and blessedness of Paradise. (3D, 18) My brothers [and sisters], God knows that I long to die among you but since God wills me to die without seeing you, may his holy will be done.. My children be at peace and if we do not see one another again, pray to the Lord 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.)

DEPRESSION
When you feel depressed, have recourse to the Passion of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and his precious wounds, and you will feel great consolation. Examine his whole life. Why was he tired out if not to give us example? By day he preached, by night he prayed. Wherefore, then, should we poor sinners hanker for repose and riches, seeing that, even if the whole world were ours, we would be no better off, nor would we be more content oven if we had more than we have? He alone is happy who, despising everything, loves Jesus Christ alone, and gives all for the all who is Jesus Christ. (1D, 10) When I am depressed, I can find no better remedy than in gazing in contemplation on Jesus Christ crucified and thinking of his most holy passion and of the distress He suffered in this life. (2D, 6) Blessed be the Lord God who has now restored me to health and liberty, and my heart is no longer filled with sorrow and sadness as it was in the last few days. (Johns words on his discharge from the Royal Hospital, Chapter 3, Castro.)

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

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

holds, keeping and putting into practice what she commands.

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

FORTITUDE
Fortitude tells us to be strong and constant in the service of God, showing a cheerful face in trials, tribulations, weariness and sickness, as in prosperity and joy, and to be 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 in wintertime. (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

He sends us labours and hardships that is for our profit and further merit. (2D. 6) You should thank God deeply for everything, for good and evil. (LB. 7)

HAPPINESS
The person alone is satisfied who, despising everything, loves Jesus Christ alone, and gives all for the all who is Jesus Christ I say love Jesus Christ more than all the world, ever trusting in Him; and for His sake love all that they may be saved. (1D, 9) Do not look for consolation in this life, but rather in heaven, and always thank God for what he has deigned to give here below.

HOPE
Hope in Jesus Christ alone, who, for the trials and hardships we put up with for the love of Him in this poor life, will give us eternal glory, through the merits of His sacred 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 has not 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

that between the sick and the convalescent and the staff and pilgrims, there are more than one hundred and ten. Since, moreover, this is a general hospital, anyone who is ill, and all kinds of folk, are admitted generally. Thus, we have here cripples, paralytics, lepers, deaf people, the insane, skindiseased, and others who are very old, together with many children. Besides these, there are many pilgrims and tramps calling here. We supply them with heat, water, salt, and other condiments for the food. For all this, there is no income but Jesus Christ looks after all. No day passes but that we need four and a half ducats, and at times, five, for house provisions. This is for bread, meat, flour and wood, leaving out medicines and clothing, which are a separate expense. (1L, 3) This is to let you know how I am, and to tell you of my labours, needs and hardships which grow daily more now; and ever so much more, because of both the debts and the poor, many of whom come ill-clothed, bare-footed, some with sores, covered with vermin so much so that we must have a man or two doing nothing else but scalding the garments in a kettle of boiling water to kill such vermin. This work will go on all winter to the end of May. So it is, sister in Jesus Christ, that my tasks grow daily more and more. Why do you behave so cruelly and so badly towards my unfortunate brothers [and sisters], my companions in misery? Would it not be better to take pity on their distress and to keep them clean and give them enough to eat, with charity and love, seeing that the Catholic Sovereign has given sufficient income for all their needs? (Johns words to the attendants at the Royal Hospital when he was a patient there. Chapter 0, Castro.) May Christ give me in time the grace to have a hospital of my own, where I shall be able to receive the abandoned poor, and those deprived of reason, and to serve them as I desire. (Johns prayer as a patient in the Royal Hospital.)

HUMILITY
My Father, I alone deserve to be driven out of Gods house, while the poor who are in the hospital are good, I do not know of vice in any of them, besides God tolerates the good and the bad, and makes the sun shine on them both, would it not be unreasonable to send them away abandoned and afflicted from their own house. (Johns answer to the charge that undesirables were in his 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 God knows all. (2L.6) The lesser brother of all, John of God, - dying if it so please God, (LB.12) You stupid ass, you refuse through shame to enter Granada 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 reenter Granada after being discharged from the Royal Hospital. Chapter II, Castro.) Leave them alone, dont say anything to them, and do not take 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 him from his detractors. Chapter 13, Castro.) I am what you say. I have done wrong and well deserve it,

give me another. (John turning the other cheek. Chapter 15, Castro .3 My sons [and daughters], kindly do not throw stones at me, rather mud or dirt. (Johns humorous retort to the Granada mob during his madness. 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, what belongs 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 Jesus Christ; will give me the grace to put my desire into execution. (Castro, Chapter 3, Johns words on returning to Montemor 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 to repent further. May God pardon me and cave the whole world. (LB.13)

LETTER WRITING
My brother in Jesus Christ, in writing to you I find great relief, for I imagine myself standing talking with you and having you share my troubles, for I know that you do share them with me. (1L. 9) I do not know what to say to you, for I am writing this in a hurry to get it off straightway. I am so hurried that I have scarcely had time to commend the matter to God, and it is necessary to commend it at length to our Lord, Jesus Christ, and for longer than I am able. (LB. 2)

MARY
You wish to follow the example of our Lady, the Virgin Mary; ever-undefiled, who though Mother of God and Queen of the angels and first Lady of the whole world was accustomed to weave and work all day for her living. By night and for part of the day she prayed in retirement, to make us understand that, after work is over, we should thank 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 hope to God to say it as often as I can, God willing, (LD.l2) Mother of God, help and save me and pray to your Divine Son to deliver me from this danger. (Johns prayer when in danger in the Army. Chapter 1. Castro.)

MERCY OF GOD
If we stop to think -how great is the mercy of God, we would never cease doing all the good we can, for while we, 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 the morning for the blessings and graces he gives us continually, having created you to his own image and likeness, and having given us the grace of being

Christians. Beg forgiveness of Jesus Christ, for he pardons 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 birds give 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 to consult Master Avila, but I did not give them as much as I would 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 he makes me confess truthfully all my sins and obey my Confessor . and love Jesus Christ alone and hold and believe all that Mother Church holds and believes. (1L. 8) Your disobedient and lesser brother, John of God, dying if it so pleases God....... (20 , 20)

ON CHOOSING AT STATE IN LIFE

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

well as for those which will be quite pleasant. But, on the other hand, if you were to run the risk of being lost, it would be much better to return there. But in all that, God knows what is best and He is aware of the truth. (L.8.4) Already the time is near when you must choose a state of life. If you come here you must serve God in any way whatever. (L.8.9) In connection with your coming here, do what seems best to you, and as God gives you to understand. If it seems that you should still run round the world in search of adventure 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 alone above everything in the world, that you want and care for what 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 good and show charity to poor and needy people. (2.D.13) There is no higher contemplation than that of the Passion of Jesus Christ, and whoever has a devotion to it will not be lost, with the help of Jesus Christ. (3.D.7) Remember our Lord Jesus Christ, and his blessed Passion and how He returned good for the evil they did to him. (LB.7) Reflect, my child, what you have cost our Lord, and see how much He has suffered for you, for He wishes not the death 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.)

PENANCE
We have to reveal the true state of things, and all our sins, at the feet of the Confessor and carry out the penance he gives. We must not sin again, for Jesus Christs 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 been waiting so long for you to do penance, consider well in how many ways you have offended Him. I will bring you a spiritual physician who will take care of your souls, a remedy will be found for your bodily ills. Trust in the Lord, He will provide everything as He always does for those who, 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 all that without income. But Jesus Christ looks to everything as I do nothing. (2D, 11)

PRAYER
Blessed be you, O Lord God, by your immense goodness and I so great a sinner, without any merit of mine. You deigned to deliver me from so great a delusion and temptation into which I fell because of my grave sins; you brought me into a haven of safety, where I shall strive to serve you. Give your grace O Lord I beseech you with all my heart, grant it to me and do not take away from me your divine mercy. Deign to show me the way I must follow to enter your service, and to be forever your

servant. Give peace and tran-quility to my soul, so that I may 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 great sinner, who has offended you so much. (Johns prayer during his crisis of conversion. Chapter 7. Castro.) Jesus deliver me from the power of Satan, Jesus be with me. (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 you get up in the morning for the blessings and graces he gives us continually, having created you to his own image and likeness, and having given us the grace of being Christian. Beg forgiveness of Jesus Christ, for He pardons us. 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 beasts of the field? and sighing, he prayed: Lead me 0 Lord, to the 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 often astonished at how they can be supported. But Jesus Christ himself looks after everything, and provides something for them to eat. (1.L.2) There are many pilgrims and tramps calling here. We supply them with heat, water, salt, and other condiments for the food, for all this, there is no income. But Jesus

Christ looks after all.

(1.L.3)

I have charge of one hundred and fifty persons, and God provides daily for their needs. (2.L.2) My sister in Jesus Christ, I thought to come to you for Christmas, but Jesus Christ has arranged things better than I deserved. (3.D.4) Tell him for the love of God never to forget me in his prayers to the Divine Majesty. With this alone I will be satisfied, and I am certain His help will never fail me. (Johns words to a messenger of St. John of Avila in Royal Hospital, Chapter 9. Castro.) The poor are many, and costs here are high and all that without income. But Jesus Christ looks to everything, since I do nothing. (2D, 14)

PRUDENCE
Prudence teaches us to behave prudently and wisely in everything that we have to do and think, seeking advice from 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 have the colour it should have to be prized, is first separated from the earth and dross in which it is made, then purged by fire to be left clear and pure. So it is fitting that the same, which is so valuable and precious, be separated from the sins and sensualities of earth and left alone with Jesus Christ. Then it is purged in the fire of love by trials, fastings, disciplines and harsh penances so that it is highly prized by Jesus Christ and shines resplendently in the

Divine Presence

(30, 11)

May our Lord save your soul; for in this poor life living well is 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 the Mass out to the end. (LB.1O)

RELIGIOUS STATE
Already the time is near when you must choose a state of life. If you come here, you must serve God in any way whatsoever .. If you come here you must come only to work, 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 will be good for you to discipline your flesh a little, and lead a hard life, to know hunger and thirst and shame and weariness, hardships, troubles and trials all that has to be borne for God if you come here, and you will have to put up with all of it for the love of God, (LB. 6) Had you nothing to eat today? If you have eaten, why dont you work, so that the poor for whom you labour may have bread to eat; do you not realize that he whom you

are carrying is halfdead with the cold? (Johns words to himself after he fell with a beggar on his shoulders. Chapt.l7. Castro.) This little donkey needs to be well loaded up to work and serve the poor of Jesus Christ. (Words of John about himself. (Testimony of Honofrius Hurtado de Mendoza, in Gomez-Moreno. P. 241)

SERVICE
We owe God service that we may serve him as Lord, not with 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 feet in the stirrups. For, if we stop to think, we are in a state of continuous war with the world, the devil and the flesh, and we need to watch over ourselves because we do not know the hour when they will knock at the door of our souls, and as we are found, so shall we be judged. (1.D.7) This life is nothing but a warfare in which we find ourselves continually, all the time we dwell in this place of exile and valley of tears. (2.L.7) Say to my good father, may Christ reward you for the good you do me, His slave, and wicked and useless servant, whom He conquered in

battle, and trust in His Infinite mercy. (Johns message to St. 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 war and conflict. (20, 18)

STATES OF LIFE
The cross must be borne by everyone who wishes to be saved, in accord with the good pleasures of God and the grace He gives him, though all are aiming at the same goal, yet each one goes by his own road, as God guides him. Some are friars, some clerics, some hermits and others are married folk; yes, each one whatsoever their state of life, can be saved, if they wish. (3D, 13) We are all aiming at the same goals, yet each one by the road God has been pleased to mark out for him. It is therefore right that we help one another. (1L, 7) Each one should embrace the state that God has fixed for him. Therefore, fathers and mothers should not now be distressed and grieved, but simply pray to God that he will grant the state of grace to all their sons and daughters. When God wills, one gets married, and another sings Mass. 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 is fitting that we give what is useful to our bodies, so that

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

TEMPERANCE
Temperance teaches us to use with moderation and sobriety the food, drink, clothing and the other things necessary to support the human body. (3D.12)

THREE THINGS
The virtues which lead us to Heaven are three. The first is faith, believing all that holy Mother church believes and holds, keeping and putting into practice what she commands. the second, Charity The third is hope in Jesus Christ alone. (3D. 8) Three things we owe God: love, service and reverence. (3D. 14) Good duchess, time should be spent on three things every day: prayer, work, sustenance of the body. (3D. 15) I pray you for the love of Jesus Christ to keep three things in mind, and they are: the hour of death, from which no one can escape; the pains of hell; the glory and blessedness of paradise. (3D.18) My Father and Good pastor, three things worry me, the first is the little service I have given God, having received so much from Him; the second, the poor, the women withdrawn from [an abusive] life, and the bashful poor; lastly, these debts which I contracted for the love of Jesus Christ, and I give you this book in my hand, these are all written down in it. (Johns words to the Archbishop of Granada, on his death bed.

Castro, Chapter 20.)

TIME
The Lord will Judge us as he finds us. Therefore, it will be well to amend ourselves betimes, and not go on as those who say tomorrow, and again, tomorrow, and they never make a start. (2,D. 8)

TRANSCEDENCE
In this poor life living well is the key for him who would be saved, All else is nothing. (1L, l2) To give here or to give in Granada is the same, all is for the love of God, Who is everywhere. (Chapter 16, Castro,) Think, if you went to Mortillo for four loads of fish and three spoiled on the way, would you throw away the good along with the other three? Thus, one of the four we took along with us remains, and shows signs of good intentions; be patient in life, we will return with her to Granada. Let us have confidence in God, with what remains of them, our journey will not be in vain, or our gain small. (Johns answer to a critic of his rehabilitation of four prostitutes. Castro, Chapt.13)

TRUST IN GOD
God before, above all things in the world, trusting solely in

Jesus Christ who is full certainty.Trust in Jesus Christ only. 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 both what he is doing and what is beneficial for us, better than we think. (2D, 4) Trust solely in Jesus Christ that the duke will come shortly, sound in body and soul, and do not be sad or depressed, for in a little while you will be happier than you have ever been yet. You will find that I am speaking the truth, trusting in Jesus Christ alone (2D. 5) We must detach ourselves from all, for the all who is Jesus Christ, and we must trust in Him alone. (3D. 1O) Keep your trust in Jesus Christ alone, so that you will be consoled by Him. Though at present you are undergoing trials, it is so that, at the end, your consolation and glory will 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 me free from debt, since He knows my heart. And so I say, accursed the man who puts his trust in men, and not in Jesus 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 to commend the matter much to our Lord, Jesus Christ. (L.B. 5) Tell him for the love of God never to forget me in his prayers to the Divine Majesty, with this alone I will be satisfied, and I am certain His help will never fail me. (Johns message to St. John of Avila, Chapter 9, Castro)

Trust in the Lord, He will provide everything, as He always does 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 you is to serve Him, and to make a firm resolution to die rather than 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 work much harder than you have done hitherto and all in Gods cause, 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 to be 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 the poor of Jesus Christ, and he went with then to the forest to gather firewood. (Castro, Chapter 16.)

WORK
If he (God) does not stand behind us, of what use is our work, our craft, our industry? (2,D.13) In work: bodily work, keeping ourselves occupied at some meritorious task, to earn our daily bread. Jesus Christ, in fact, worked till his death, and there is

nothing that gives rise to sin like idleness. (3D,16) The work I have to do here is so heavy that I have not even the space of a Creed to spare. (2L, 2) The good works men [and women] do are not theirs but Gods. To God be honour, glory, and praise, because all things belong to God. (2L, 7) If you come here you must come only to work, and not to be 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 it is, Sister in Jesus Christ, that my tasks grow daily more and more. (2D.3) My soul which has God to serve, stands in no need of repose. (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 Honofrius Hurtado de Mendoza in GomezMoreno; P.241)

WORLD
The world attracts us with vices and wealth, promising a long life and telling us: Go to it. You are young; have your share of pleasure! In your old age you can straighten yourself out! (3D, 7) Think how for a few brief pleasures and amusements over so quickly, we must go pay for them in hellfire, if we die in mortal sin. (3D, 18) For now, stay with God, and go with God. (LB.14)

God is Love

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