SAINT TERESA OF AVILA

Words of Wisdom:

We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had to bear the greatest trials.  His Majesty, The Lord, rewards great services with trials, and there can be no better reward, for out of trials springs love for God.

The Saints rejoiced at injuries and persecutions, because in forgiving them they had something to present to God when they prayed to Him. Before prayer, endeavor to realize whose presence you are approaching, and to whom you are about to speak. We can never fully understand how we ought to behave towards God, before whom the angles tremble.

Unless you strive after virtues and practice them, you will never grow to be more than dwarfs.

Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.  


St. Teresa of Ávila

Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada (28 March 1515 – 4 October 1582), was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, Carmelite nun, author during the Counter Reformation, and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered to be a founder of the Discalced Carmelites along with John of the Cross.

In 1622, forty years after her death, she was canonized by Pope Gregory XV, and on 27 September 1970 was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her books, which include her autobiography (The Life of Teresa of Jesus) and her seminal work El Castillo Interior (trans.: The Interior Castle), are an integral part of Spanish Renaissance literature as well as Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices. She also wrote Camino de Perfección (trans.: The Way of Perfection).

After her death, Saint Teresa's cult was known in Spain during the 1620s, and for a time she was considered a candidate to become a national patron saint. A Santero image of the Our Lady of the Conception, said to have been sent with one of her brothers to Nicaragua by the saint, is now venerated as the country's national patroness at the Shrine of El Viejo. Pious Catholic beliefs also associate Saint Teresa with the esteemed religious image called Infant Jesus of Prague with claims of former ownership and devotion. -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Published:
June 18, 2015, 8:46 AM
January 15, 2013 - Tuesday
April 22, 2011 - Friday
April 11, 2011 - Monday
January 3, 2011 - Monday
November 26, 2010 - Friday
September 26, 2010 - Sunday, 6:15 AM
October 25, 2010 - Monday

SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX

THE LITTLE FLOWER

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, or Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin, was a French Carmelite nun.

She is also known as "The Little Flower of Jesus" or simply, "The Little Flower".

Born: January 2, 1873, Alençon ; Died: September 30, 1897, Lisieux
(Wikipedia)



Today is the feast day of the “Little Flower,” St. Therese of Lisieux. Her nickname was inspired by her life — her way to heaven was very short and humble. She championed humility and love as the foundation of the spiritual life. She lived these two graces to the full, even though she hardly saw anything of the world outside her family home and the walls of her convent. She gained popularity as an inspiration to many, who live similarly simple lives. (Kerygma)

SIMPLICITY

Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.  -- St Therese of Lisieux

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple (Ps 19:8).  They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb (Ps 19:11).

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. (2 Corinthians 1:12)

HUMBLE

Dear Lord, you know my weakness. Each morning I resolve to be humble, and in the evening I recognize that I have often been guilty of pride. The sight of these faults tempts me to discouragement. Yet I know that discouragement itself is a form of pride. I wish, therefore, O my God, to build all my trust upon You. As You can do all things, deign to implant in my soul this virtue which I desire.  -- St Therese of Lisieux

"Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)

PERFECT 

You ask me a method of attaining perfection. I know of love - and only love. Love can do all things. -- St Therese of Lisieux

"Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."(Matthew 5:48)

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! (Dt 32:4)

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well (Jas 3:2).
  
Jesus said, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Mt. 19:21). 

MUCH

The greatest honor God can do a soul is not to give it much, but to ask much of it.  -- St Therese of Lisieux

From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. (Luke 12:48)

Published: 
December 24, 2010, 5:44 AM
December 29, 2012, 8:53 AM
September 26, 2013, 10:06 AM
October 01, 2013, 8:15 AM