Tag Archives: St. Teresa of Avila

Feast Day Mini-Study: St. Teresa of Avila

Posted on by

September 15th
St. Teresa of Avila
1515- 1582
I’d like to cut right to the chase: In this little blog on St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila), who we Discalced Carmelites call “Our Holy Mother,” I’ll simply share three ways in which her life and teaching on prayer has touched my life. Hopefully some of these insights will enrich you as well.

Read the rest…

Simple and teachable

Posted on by

August 23

“An intelligent mind is simple and teachable; it sees its faults and allows itself to be guided. A mind that is dull and narrow never sees its faults even when shown to them. It is always pleased with itself and never learns to do right.”

-St. Teresa of Avila

Make progress in virtue

Posted on by

June 1st
“Knowing by experience St. Joseph’s astonishing influence with God, I would wish to persuade everyone to honor him with particular devotion. I have always seen those who honored him in a special manner make progress in virtue, for this heavenly protector favors in a striking manner the spiritual advancement of souls who commend themselves to him.”
-St. Teresa of Avila

For the love of God

Posted on by

February 15
“It is amusing to see souls who, while they are at prayer, fancy they are
willing to be despised and publicly insulted for the love of God, yet
afterward do all they can to hide their small defects; if anyone unjustly
accuses them of a fault, God deliver us from their outcries!”
-St. Teresa of Avila

The Lord permits

Posted on by

August 23
“It constantly happens that the Lord permits a soul to fall so that it may grow humbler. When it is honest, and realizes what it has done, and returns, it makes ever-increasing progress in our Lord’s service.”
-St. Teresa of Avila
Today’s Reflection:
While this quote does not give me permission to sin, it does help me to see that God works all things to the good, and even my mistakes can be an occasion for spiritual growth. About what one situation, circumstance, failing, fault, or sin does this speak most to me about today? I will praise God for His love and never failing mercy.
  

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
DONATE

Read the rest…

It is by humility

Posted on by

August 18
“It is by humility that the Lord allows Himself to be conquered so that He will do all we ask of Him.”
-St. Teresa of Avila
Today’s Reflection:
Do I allow myself to be conquered by humility so that I can do all the Lord asks of me? What evidence do I have of this in my life?
  

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
DONATE

Read the rest…

Know ourselves

Posted on by

August 2
“We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”
     -St. Teresa of Avila
Today’s Reflection:
According to St. Teresa of Avila, why is meditating on the attributes of God an appropriate way to begin to cultivate the virtue of humility? Where do you most see yourself in the reflection above?
  

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
DONATE

Read the rest…

Untilled ground

Posted on by

July 5
“Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also the mind of man.”
– St. Teresa of Avila
Today’s Reflection
Make a list of the various ways we can “till” the ground of our mind so that it will bring forth abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God. What resolution am I willing to make in this regard?
  

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
DONATE

Read the rest…

Strong pillar of prayer

Posted on by

April 14
“How often I have failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.”
-St. Teresa of Avila, her Life (paraphrase)
Today’s Reflection
Is this my lament, too? What resolution am I willing to make?
  

If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
DONATE

Read the rest…