From the book The Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross which can be found in text or audio.
Book III, The Active Night, Chapter XXXV, The Ignorance of Some People in the Matter of Images
In The Ascent of Mount Carmel, Book III, Chapter XXXV, St. John of the Cross addresses the ignorance some people have regarding the use and purpose of religious images. He critiques those who place undue emphasis on images, using them improperly for superstitious practices or personal attachment, rather than as aids to foster devotion and focus on God. St. John emphasizes that images should serve as instruments for spiritual elevation, not objects of misguided worship or dependence. He warns against superficial reliance on such representations, urging believers to transcend sensory aids and direct their hearts toward God in true faith and contemplation.