Saint Teresa of Avila...

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, 

Virgin and Doctor of the Church

~~~ Romans 3:21-30 ~~~ Psalm 130 ~~~ Luke 11:47-54 ~~~

Within the walls of the cloister,

Saint Teresa of Avila filled the convent with

the beauty of her close relationship with the Lord.

She reformed religious life into something 

more than a mere title one gets for joining an order.

In her day, many probably said "Woe to you, Teresa."

She advocated some major changes for religious.

She was not interested in building meaningless memorials. 

Woe to you, scholars of the law!

You have taken away the key of knowledge.

The key of knowledge for Saint Teresa was her

tremendous love for Jesus.

Her great love relationship gave her equally 

great spiritual insight.

For there is no distinction;

all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.

They are justified freely by his grace

through the redemption in Christ Jesus...

Teresa was ever mindful of being a sinner,

but knew of the saving power of Jesus.

She gave up her shoes to emphasize poverty and penance.

Teresa was one spark 

that ignited change within the church.

She met with resistance, but did not 

let it deter her from her beliefs.

God loved Teresa and he had a very specific job for her.

She was a woman. Who would listen to her?

She was a contemplative. Why would she want 

to give up her worldly comforts?

She was an active reformer. 

How did she overcome those 

men who resisted?

Saint Teresa had everything going for her in the 

secular world yet she answered God's call

 to give up everything and follow him.

Her writings, especially the Way of Perfection

 and The Interior Castle, have helped generations of believers.

In 1970 the Catholic church declared Saint Teresa

 to be a Doctor of the Church.

A rare title bestowed to anyone

 much less a woman.

In closing, beautiful thoughts from Teresa...

“May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, 

and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul 

the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. 

It is there for each and everyone of you.” 

Saint Teresa of Jesus,

pray for us.

May you be Blessed with deeper faith,

greater peace in the acceptance of God's love for you.

~~~Peace~~~