WALK THROUGH THE DOORWAY
"Be kind to all and severe to thyself." (St. Teresa of Avila)
From today's first
reading from Paul's letter to the Romans, we consider that a person is
justified by faith apart from works. Our saint for today was certainly known
for her great faith.
Today the Church
honors Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor. In 1515 she was born in Spain
and her call in life was to enter the Carmelite Order. St. Teresa of Avila
walked through the door to enter the convent in 1536. She used the same doorway
when she left the convent in 1562 to begin the reform of the Carmelite Order.
Before making any decision, Theresa would pray and discern. She trusted in the
Holy Spirit and took giant steps into her future and the future of the Church.
St. Teresa of
Avila, who acted in faith, lived by these words which she gave in advice to
others. "Be kind to all and severe to thyself." Her advice is a good
guide for all of us in our faith. We read in the Gospel of Luke the following.
"Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of
knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to
enter." St. Teresa wrote books respected for profound spirituality and
insights that had been tested in her own experience. She endured many
tribulations but persevered with the help of the Spirit of God. I bet she would
have been a great retreat master.
Points to Pray and Ponder: What doorway is the Holy Spirit asking you to
walk through today in your life? How can you rely on the Spirit of God to help