DAY 1
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
I THOUGHT OF THE SOUL AS RESEMBLING A CASTLE, FORMED OF A SINGLE DIAMOND OR A VERY TRANSPARENT CRYSTAL CONTAINING MANY ROOMS, JUST AS IN HEAVEN THERE ARE MANY MANSIONS.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY DWELLING PLACES; IF IT WERE NOT SO, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU; FOR I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. [JOHN 14:2]
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 2
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
WHAT, DO YOU IMAGINE, MUST THAT DWELLING BE IN WHICH A KING SO MIGHTY, SO WISE, AND SO PURE, CONTAINING IN HIMSELF ALL GOOD, CAN DELIGHT TO REST?
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
. . .IF YOU SEEK THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU WILL FIND HIM IF YOU LOOK FOR HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL. (DEUTERONOMY 4:29)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 3
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
AS FAR AS I CAN UNDERSTAND, THE GATE BY WHICH TO ENTER THIS CASTLE IS PRAYER AND MEDITATION.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
YET GIVE ATTENTION TO YOUR SERVANT''S PRAYER AND HIS PLEA FOR MERCY, O LORD MY GOD. HEAR THE CRY AND THE PRAYER THAT YOUR SERVANT IS PRAYING IN YOUR PRESENCE. (2 CHRONICLES 6:19)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 4
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
IN A STATE OF GRACE THE SOUL IS LIKE A WELL OF LIMPID WATER, FROM WHICH FLOW ONLY STREAMS OF CLEAREST CRYSTAL. ITS WORKS ARE PLEASING BOTH TO GOD AND MAN, RISING FROM THE RIVER OF LIFE, BESIDE WHICH IT IS ROOTED LIKE A TREE.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
THEN THE ANGEL SHOWED ME THE RIVER OF THE WATER OF LIFE, AS CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, FLOWING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB (REVELATION 22:1)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 5
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
But the soul by sinning withdraws from this stream of life, and growing beside a black and fetid pool, can produce nothing but disgusting and unwholesome fruit.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
HE CUTS OFF EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT BEARS NO FRUIT, WHILE EVERY BRANCH THAT DOES BEAR FRUIT HE PRUNES SO THAT IT WILL BE EVEN MORE FRUITFUL. (JOHN 15:2)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 6
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
THE SOUL IS LIKE A CRYSTAL IN THE SUNSHINE OVER WHICH A THICK BLACK CLOTH HAS BEEN THROWN, SO THAT HOWEVER BRIGHTLY THE SUN MAY SHINE THE CRYSTAL CAN NEVER REFLECT IT.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS TO ME: "I WILL REMAIN QUIET AND WILL LOOK ON FROM MY DWELLING PLACE, LIKE SHIMMERING HEAT IN THE SUNSHINE, LIKE A CLOUD OF DEW IN THE HEAT OF HARVEST." (ISAIAH 18:4)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 7
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
O JESUS! HOW SAD A SIGHT MUST BE A SOUL DEPRIVED OF LIGHT! WHAT A TERRIBLE STATE THE CHAMBERS OF THIS CASTLE ARE IN!
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
DARKNESS COMES UPON THEM IN THE DAYTIME; AT NOON THEY GROPE AS IN THE NIGHT. (JOB 5:14)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 8
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
Now let us turn at last to our castle with its many mansions. You must not think of a suite of rooms placed in succession, but fix your eyes on the keep, the court inhabited by the King.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
AND IN HIM YOU TOO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER TO BECOME A DWELLING IN WHICH GOD LIVES BY HIS SPIRIT. (EPHESIANS 2:22)
Closing Prayer
Day 9
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
A soul which gives itself to prayer, either much or little, should on no account be kept within narrow bounds. Since God has given it such great dignity, permit it to wander at will through the rooms of the castle, from the lowest to the highest.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf (Hebrews 6:19)
Closing Prayer
Day 10
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
Let the soul not force itself to remain for very long in the same mansion, even that of self-knowledge. Mark well, however, that self-knowledge is indispensable, even for those whom God takes to dwell in the same mansion with Himself.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. (Proverbs 2:10)
Closing Prayer
Day 11
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
. . . Remember, the bee leaves its hive to fly in search of flowers and the soul should sometimes cease thinking of itself to rise in meditation on the grandeur and majesty of its God.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)
Closing Prayer
Day 12
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
. . . Self-knowledge is of such consequence that I would not have you careless of it, though you may be lifted to heaven in prayer, because while on earth nothing is more needful than humility.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (2 Samuel 22:28)
Closing Prayer
Day 13
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavouring to know God, for, beholding His greatness we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. (Psalm 45:4)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 14
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
TWO ADVANTAGES ARE GAINED BY THIS PRACTICE. FIRST, IT IS CLEAR THAT WHITE LOOKS FAR WHITER WHEN PLACED NEAR SOMETHING BLACK, AND ON THE CONTRARY, BLACK NEVER LOOKS SO DARK AS WHEN SEEN BESIDE SOMETHING WHITE.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU ALWAYS; HE WILL SATISFY YOUR NEEDS IN A SUN-SCORCHED LAND AND WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR FRAME. YOU WILL BE LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN, LIKE A SPRING WHOSE WATERS NEVER FAIL. (ISAIAH 58:11)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 15
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
You must notice that the light which comes from the King's palace hardly shines at all in these first mansions; although not as gloomy and black as the soul in mortal sin, yet they are in semi-darkness, and their inhabitants see scarcely anything.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
WOE TO THOSE WHO CALL EVIL GOOD AND GOOD EVIL, WHO PUT DARKNESS FOR LIGHT AND LIGHT FOR DARKNESS, WHO PUT BITTER FOR SWEET AND SWEET FOR BITTER. (ISAIAH 5:20)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 16
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
. . . True perfection consists in the love of God and our neighbor, and the better we keep both these commandments, the more perfect we shall be.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
JESUS ANSWERED: " 'LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND' ; AND, 'LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' " (LUKE 10:27)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 17
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
NOW LET US CONSIDER WHICH ARE THE SOULS THAT ENTER THE SECOND MANSIONS, AND WHAT THEY DO THERE . . . IN THIS PART OF THE CASTLE ARE FOUND SOULS WHICH HAVE BEGUN TO PRACTISE PRAYER . . .
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUESTS. WITH THIS IN MIND, BE ALERT AND ALWAYS KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE SAINTS. (EPHESIANS 6:18)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 18
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
O MY LORD! WHAT NEED THERE IS HERE THAT, BY THY MERCY, THOU SHOULDST PREVENT THE SOUL FROM BEING DELUDED INTO FORSAKING THE GOOD BEGUN! ENLIGHTEN IT TO SEE THAT ITS WELFARE CONSISTS IN PERSEVERANCE IN THE RIGHT WAY, AND IN THE WITHDRAWING FROM BAD COMPANY.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
JESUS ANSWERED, "I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (JOHN 14:16)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 19
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
HERE ARE WE, WITH A THOUSAND OBSTACLES, DRAWBACKS, AND IMPERFECTIONS WITHIN OURSELVES, OUR VIRTUES SO NEWLY BORN THAT THEY HAVE SCARCELY THE STRENGTH TO ACT (AND GOD GRANT THAT THEY EXIST AT ALL!) YET WE ARE NOT ASHAMED TO EXPECT SWEETNESS IN PRAYER AND TO COMPLAIN OF FEELING DRYNESS.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 20
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
REMEMBER, IT IS OF THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE—THE SOLE AIM OF ONE BEGINNING TO PRACTISE PRAYER SHOULD BE TO ENDURE TRIALS, AND TO RESOLVE AND STRIVE TO THE UTMOST OF HER POWER TO CONFORM HER OWN WILL TO THE WILL OF GOD.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ASKING," JESUS SAID TO THEM. "CAN YOU DRINK THE CUP I AM GOING TO DRINK?" (MATTHEW 20:22A)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 21
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
IF WE NEVER LOOK UP AT HIM AND REFLECT ON WHAT WE OWE HIM FOR HAVING DIED FOR US, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW WE CAN KNOW HIM, OR PERFORM GOOD DEEDS IN HIS SERVICE. WHAT VALUE IS THERE IN FAITH WITHOUT WORKS? AND WHAT ARE THEY WORTH IF THEY ARE NOT UNITED TO THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST, OUR ONLY GOOD?
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
A STUDENT IS NOT ABOVE HIS TEACHER, NOR A SERVANT ABOVE HIS MASTER. (MATTHEW 10:24)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 22
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
AS FOR THOSE WHO, BY THE MERCY OF GOD, HAVE VANQUISHED IN THESE COMBATS AND PERSEVERED UNTIL THEY REACHED THE THIRD MANSIONS, WHAT CAN WE SAY TO THEM BUT ‘BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD’?
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
BUT THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THOSE WHO FEAR HIM, ON THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE, ( PSALM 33:18)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 23
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
DO NOT ASK FOR WHAT YOU DO NOT DESERVE, NOR SHOULD WE EVER THINK, HOWEVER MUCH WE MAY HAVE DONE FOR GOD, THAT WE MERIT THE REWARD OF THE SAINTS, FOR WE HAVE OFFENDED HIM. OH, HUMILITY, HUMILITY!
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
AT THIS THE MAN'S FACE FELL. HE WENT AWAY SAD, BECAUSE HE HAD GREAT WEALTH. (MARK 10:22)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 24
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
HOW LITTLE IS ALL WE CAN DO FOR SO GENEROUS A GOD, WHO DIED FOR US, WHO CREATED US, WHO GIVES US BEING, THAT WE SHOULD NOT THINK OURSELVES HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO ACQUIT OURSELVES OF PART OF THE DEBT WE OWE HIM FOR HAVING SERVED US, WITHOUT ASKING HIM FOR FRESH MERCIES AND FAVOURS?
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
SO YOU ALSO, WHEN YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING YOU WERE TOLD TO DO, SHOULD SAY, 'WE ARE UNWORTHY SERVANTS; WE HAVE ONLY DONE OUR DUTY. (LUKE 17:10)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 25
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
I BELIEVE THAT WHERE TRUE HUMILITY EXISTS, ALTHOUGH GOD SHOULD NEVER BESTOW CONSOLATIONS, YET HE GIVES A PEACE AND RESIGNATION WHICH MAKE THE SOUL HAPPIER THAN ARE OTHERS WITH SENSIBLE DEVOTION.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
SEEK THE LORD, ALL YOU HUMBLE OF THE LAND, YOU WHO DO WHAT HE COMMANDS. SEEK RIGHTEOUSNESS, SEEK HUMILITY; PERHAPS YOU WILL BE SHELTERED ON THE DAY OF THE LORD'S ANGER. (ZEPHANIAH 2:3)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 26
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
SOULS SOON LEARN IN THIS WAY; THEY PERCEIVE THEIR FAULTS VERY CLEARLY, AND SOMETIMES THE DISCOVERY OF HOW QUICKLY THEY ARE OVERCOME BY BUT SLIGHT EARTHLY TRIALS IS MORE PAINFUL THAN THE SUBTRACTION OF GOD’S SENSIBLE FAVOURS. I CONSIDER THAT GOD THUS SHOWS THEM GREAT MERCY, FOR THOUGH THEIR BEHAVIOUR MAY BE FAULTY, YET THEY GAIN GREATLY IN HUMILITY.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH DEVELOPS PERSEVERANCE. JAMES 1:1-3
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 27
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
THOSE WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THESE CONSOLATIONS MAY FEEL A DESPONDENCY THAT IS UNCALLED FOR, SINCE PERFECTION DOES NOT CONSIST IN CONSOLATION BUT IN GREATER LOVE; OUR REWARD WILL BE IN PROPORTION TO THIS, AND TO THE JUSTICE AND SINCERITY OF OUR ACTIONS.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
AND WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, BECAUSE ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM. (HEBREWS 11:6)
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY 28
INVOCATION
READING FROM THE WRITINGS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
WHEN THESE JOYS ARE FROM GOD THEY COME LADEN WITH LOVE AND STRENGTH, WHICH AID THE SOUL ON ITS WAY AND INCREASE ITS GOOD WORKS AND VIRTUES.
LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
SPACE FOR WRITTEN REFLECTION
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READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE
ARE GOD'S CONSOLATIONS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU, WORDS SPOKEN GENTLY TO YOU? (JOB15:11)
Closing Prayer
Day 29
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
Do not imagine that it is unimportant whether you try to obtain these graces or no; if you are not to blame, the Lord is just: what He refuses in one way, His Majesty will give you in another, as He knows how; His secret ways are very mysterious, and doubtless He will do what is best for you.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. (Matthew 12:18)
Closing Prayer
Day 30
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
I will now describe, as I promised, the difference between sweetness in prayer and spiritual consolations. It appears to me that what we acquire for ourselves in meditation and petitions to our Lord may be termed ‘sweetness in devotion.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Closing Prayer
Day 31
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
This sweetness arises principally from the good work we perform, and appears to result from our labours: well may we feel happy at having thus spent our time.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." (John 5:17)
Closing Prayer
Day 32
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
Spiritual consolations, on the contrary, arise from God, and our nature feels them and rejoices as keenly in them, and indeed far more keenly, than in the others I described.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, (Acts 2:26)
Closing Prayer
Day 33
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
These feelings of devotion are most common with souls in the first three mansions, who are nearly always using their understanding and reason in making meditations.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. (Psalm 49:3)
Closing Prayer
Day 34
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
What I call divine consolations, or have termed elsewhere the ’prayer of quiet,’ is a very different thing, as those will understand who, by the mercy of God, have experienced them.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
Closing Prayer
Day 35
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
To make the matter clearer, let us imagine we see two fountains with basins which fill with water. . . . These two basins are filled in different ways; the one with water from a distance flowing into it through many pipes and waterworks, while the other basin is built near the source of the spring itself and fills quite noiselessly.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38
Closing Prayer
Day 36
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
If the fountain is plentiful, like the one we speak of, after the basin is full the water overflows in a great stream which flows continually.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
Closing Prayer
Day 37
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
Such is the difference between the two kinds of prayer. The water running through the aqueducts resembles sensible devotion, which is obtained by meditation.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. (Psalm 119:27)
Closing Prayer
Day 38
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
The other fountain, like divine consolations, receives the water from the source itself, which signifies God: as usual, when His Majesty wills to bestow on us any supernatural favours, we experience the greatest peace, calm, and sweetness in the inmost depths of our being; I know neither where nor how.
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Closing Prayer
Day 39
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
This joy does not appear to me to originate in the heart, but in some more interior part and, as it were, in the depths of our being. I think this must be the centre of the soul . . .,
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)
Closing Prayer
Day 40
Invocation
Reading from the Writings of St. Teresa of Avila
O my Lord and my God! how stupendous is Thy grandeur!
Listening with Your Heart
Space for Written Reflection
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Reading from Holy Scripture
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 108:5)
Closing Prayer
Conclusion
We trust that God in Jesus Christ has blessed you during the time you have spent seeking the Lord by reading and reflecting on the writings of St. Teresa of Avila.
If you wish to correspond with us or seek any spiritual companionship on your journey with the Lord, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Kathleen Ware Harris
The Peace Fellowship Association
kwharris777@gmail.com
PASSAGES
1. I thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal containing many rooms, just as in heaven there are many mansions.
2. What, do you imagine, must that dwelling be in which a King so mighty, so wise, and so pure, containing in Himself all good, can delight to rest?
3. As far as I can understand, the gate by which to enter this castle is prayer and meditation.
4. In a state of grace the soul is like a well of limpid water, from which flow only streams of clearest crystal. Its works are pleasing both to God and man, rising from the River of Life, beside which it is rooted like a tree.
5. But the soul by sinning withdraws from this stream of life, and growing beside a black and fetid pool, can produce nothing but disgusting and unwholesome fruit.
6. The soul is like a crystal in the sunshine over which a thick black cloth has been thrown, so that however brightly the sun may shine the crystal can never reflect it.
7. O Jesus! how sad a sight must be a soul deprived of light! What a terrible state the chambers of this castle are in!
8. Now let us turn at last to our castle with its many mansions. You must not think of a suite of rooms placed in succession, but fix your eyes on the keep, the court inhabited by the King.
9. A soul which gives itself to prayer, either much or little, should on no account be kept within narrow bounds. Since God has given it such great dignity, permit it to wander at will through the rooms of the castle, from the lowest to the highest.
10. Let the soul not force itself to remain for very long in the same mansion, even that of self-knowledge. Mark well, however, that self-knowledge is indispensable, even for those whom God takes to dwell in the same mansion with Himself.
11. . . . Remember, the bee leaves its hive to fly in search of flowers and the soul should sometimes cease thinking of itself to rise in meditation on the grandeur and majesty of its God.
12.. . . Self-knowledge is of such consequence that I would not have you careless of it, though you may be lifted to heaven in prayer, because while on earth nothing is more needful than humility.
13. I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavouring to know God, for, beholding His greatness we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.
14. Two advantages are gained by this practice. First, it is clear that white looks far whiter when placed near something black, and on the contrary, black never looks so dark as when seen beside something white.
15. You must notice that the light which comes from the King's palace hardly shines at all in these first mansions; although not as gloomy and black as the soul in mortal sin, yet they are in semi-darkness, and their inhabitants see scarcely anything.
16. . . . True perfection consists in the love of God and our neighbor, and the better we keep both these commandments, the more perfect we shall be.
17. Now let us consider which are the souls that enter the second mansions, and what they do there . . . In this part of the castle are found souls which have begun to practise prayer . . .
18. O my Lord! what need there is here that, by Thy mercy, Thou shouldst prevent the soul from being deluded into forsaking the good begun! Enlighten it to see that its welfare consists in perseverance in the right way, and in the withdrawing from bad company.
19. Here are we, with a thousand obstacles, drawbacks, and imperfections within ourselves, our virtues so newly born that they have scarcely the strength to act (and God grant that they exist at all!) yet we are not ashamed to expect sweetness in prayer and to complain of feeling dryness.
20. Remember, it is of the greatest importance—the sole aim of one beginning to practise prayer should be to endure trials, and to resolve and strive to the utmost of her power to conform her own will to the will of God.
Matthew 20:22
21. If we never look up at Him and reflect on what we owe Him for having died for us, I do not understand how we can know Him, or perform good deeds in His service. What value is there in faith without works? and what are they worth if they are not united to the merits of Jesus Christ, our only good?
Matthew 10:24
22. AS FOR THOSE WHO, BY THE MERCY OF GOD, HAVE VANQUISHED IN THESE COMBATS AND PERSEVERED UNTIL THEY REACHED THE THIRD MANSIONS, WHAT CAN WE SAY TO THEM BUT ‘BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD’?
23. DO NOT ASK FOR WHAT YOU DO NOT DESERVE, NOR SHOULD WE EVER THINK, HOWEVER MUCH WE MAY HAVE DONE FOR GOD, THAT WE MERIT THE REWARD OF THE SAINTS, FOR WE HAVE OFFENDED HIM. OH, HUMILITY, HUMILITY!
MARK 10:22
LUKE 17:10
24. HOW LITTLE IS ALL WE CAN DO FOR SO GENEROUS A GOD, WHO DIED FOR US, WHO CREATED US, WHO GIVES US BEING, THAT WE SHOULD NOT THINK OURSELVES HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO ACQUIT OURSELVES OF PART OF THE DEBT WE OWE HIM FOR HAVING SERVED US, WITHOUT ASKING HIM FOR FRESH MERCIES AND FAVOURS?
25. I BELIEVE THAT WHERE TRUE HUMILITY EXISTS, ALTHOUGH GOD SHOULD NEVER BESTOW CONSOLATIONS, YET HE GIVES A PEACE AND RESIGNATION WHICH MAKE THE SOUL HAPPIER THAN ARE OTHERS WITH SENSIBLE DEVOTION.
26. SOULS SOON LEARN IN THIS WAY; THEY PERCEIVE THEIR FAULTS VERY CLEARLY, AND SOMETIMES THE DISCOVERY OF HOW QUICKLY THEY ARE OVERCOME BY BUT SLIGHT EARTHLY TRIALS IS MORE PAINFUL THAN THE SUBTRACTION OF GOD’S SENSIBLE FAVOURS. I CONSIDER THAT GOD THUS SHOWS THEM GREAT MERCY, FOR THOUGH THEIR BEHAVIOUR MAY BE FAULTY, YET THEY GAIN GREATLY IN HUMILITY.
27. THOSE WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THESE CONSOLATIONS MAY FEEL A DESPONDENCY THAT IS UNCALLED FOR, SINCE PERFECTION DOES NOT CONSIST IN CONSOLATION BUT IN GREATER LOVE; OUR REWARD WILL BE IN PROPORTION TO THIS, AND TO THE JUSTICE AND SINCERITY OF OUR ACTIONS.
28. WHEN THESE JOYS ARE FROM GOD THEY COME LADEN WITH LOVE AND STRENGTH, WHICH AID THE SOUL ON ITS WAY AND INCREASE ITS GOOD WORKS AND VIRTUES.
29. DO NOT IMAGINE THAT IT IS UNIMPORTANT WHETHER YOU TRY TO OBTAIN THESE GRACES OR NO; IF YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME, THE LORD IS JUST: WHAT HE REFUSES IN ONE WAY, HIS MAJESTY WILL GIVE YOU IN ANOTHER, AS HE KNOWS HOW; HIS SECRET WAYS ARE VERY MYSTERIOUS, AND DOUBTLESS HE WILL DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU.
30. I WILL NOW DESCRIBE, AS I PROMISED, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEETNESS IN PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL CONSOLATIONS. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT WHAT WE ACQUIRE FOR OURSELVES IN MEDITATION AND PETITIONS TO OUR LORD MAY BE TERMED ‘SWEETNESS IN DEVOTION.
31. THIS SWEETNESS ARISES PRINCIPALLY FROM THE GOOD WORK WE PERFORM, AND APPEARS TO RESULT FROM OUR LABOURS: WELL MAY WE FEEL HAPPY AT HAVING THUS SPENT OUR TIME.
32. SPIRITUAL CONSOLATIONS, ON THE CONTRARY, ARISE FROM GOD, AND OUR NATURE FEELS THEM AND REJOICES AS KEENLY IN THEM, AND INDEED FAR MORE KEENLY, THAN IN THE OTHERS I DESCRIBED.
33. THESE FEELINGS OF DEVOTION ARE MOST COMMON WITH SOULS IN THE FIRST THREE MANSIONS, WHO ARE NEARLY ALWAYS USING THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND REASON IN MAKING MEDITATIONS.
34. WHAT I CALL DIVINE CONSOLATIONS, OR HAVE TERMED ELSEWHERE THE ’PRAYER OF QUIET,’ IS A VERY DIFFERENT THING, AS THOSE WILL UNDERSTAND WHO, BY THE MERCY OF GOD, HAVE EXPERIENCED THEM.
35. TO MAKE THE MATTER CLEARER, LET US IMAGINE WE SEE TWO FOUNTAINS WITH BASINS WHICH FILL WITH WATER. . . . THESE TWO BASINS ARE FILLED IN DIFFERENT WAYS; THE ONE WITH WATER FROM A DISTANCE FLOWING INTO IT THROUGH MANY PIPES AND WATERWORKS, WHILE THE OTHER BASIN IS BUILT NEAR THE SOURCE OF THE SPRING ITSELF AND FILLS QUITE NOISELESSLY.
36. IF THE FOUNTAIN IS PLENTIFUL, LIKE THE ONE WE SPEAK OF, AFTER THE BASIN IS FULL THE WATER OVERFLOWS IN A GREAT STREAM WHICH FLOWS CONTINUALLY.
37. SUCH IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO KINDS OF PRAYER. THE WATER RUNNING THROUGH THE AQUEDUCTS RESEMBLES SENSIBLE DEVOTION, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY MEDITATION.
38. THE OTHER FOUNTAIN, LIKE DIVINE CONSOLATIONS, RECEIVES THE WATER FROM THE SOURCE ITSELF, WHICH SIGNIFIES GOD: AS USUAL, WHEN HIS MAJESTY WILLS TO BESTOW ON US ANY SUPERNATURAL FAVOURS, WE EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST PEACE, CALM, AND SWEETNESS IN THE INMOST DEPTHS OF OUR BEING; I KNOW NEITHER WHERE NOR HOW.
39. THIS JOY DOES NOT APPEAR TO ME TO ORIGINATE IN THE HEART, BUT IN SOME MORE INTERIOR PART AND, AS IT WERE, IN THE DEPTHS OF OUR BEING. I THINK THIS MUST BE THE CENTRE OF THE SOUL . . .,
40. O MY LORD AND MY GOD! HOW STUPENDOUS IS THY GRANDEUR!
END NOTES
http://www.cincicarm.org/st_teresa_of_avila.htm
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/teresa/castle2.v.i.html
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:2;&version=49; -- New American Standard Bible, The Lockman Foundation, 1995
Kathleen Ware Harris © 2012
kwharris777@gmail.com
