Do we really need to worry all that much about our spiritual progress?

Q: Dear St. Teresa, is it not better to somewhat ‘go with the flow’ of God’s leading in our life, doing our best, and not worry too much of where we are in the spiritual perfection? A: Dear friend, we must beg the Lord for guidance. We must frequently consider that without him we are lost. We must never trust ourselves. We must be vigilant regarding our progress in virtue – especially how we love others.... Read More

What does St. Teresa mean by “pesky reptiles”?

Q: Dear Sister Carmen, In the Interior Castles St. Teresa talks about “pesky reptiles” and other creatures. What exactly does she mean when she is saying these things?” A: Those “pesky reptiles!” When you come across a snake unexpectedly, what is your immediate reaction? Well, unless you are a herpetologist it is probably fear, dread or surprise. Let me share with you the reaction of a group of Sisters with one... Read More

When is prayer not prayer at all?

Q: Dear Dan, I read your post about praying at the speed of light. I agree, however, one of the commentators seems to be attempting to dull the point that we must be attentive when we pray for it to be real prayer? They said that it is only our intent that matters. If our intent is all that matters, then what if we regularly intend to pray and be attentive to God but never or rarely are, in fact, attentive to God. Is this... Read More

What is so special about the Interior Castle?

Q: Dear Sister Carmen, would you share why St. Teresa wrote the “Interior Castle” and why spiritual directors refer to it so often? What makes it so special? A: Dear Friend, your question is very timely as the memorial of St. Teresa is celebrated this Saturday. St. Teresa of Jesus (also known as St. Teresa of Avila) was led by the Holy Spirit into a very special friendship with God. Because she cooperated so completely... Read More

Should I attempt to shut-down or quiet my mind during prayer?

Q: Dear Saint Teresa, I have read a number of books on prayer that advocate methods of suppressing, shutting down, or eliminating thinking all together during prayer. Do you recommend this approach? A: I cannot understand how the mind can be stopped. There is no way of doing so without bringing about more harm than good. For my part,  those in favor of stopping the mind have never given me an adequate argument for submitting... Read More

Reflection on the narrow path to life – St. Teresa of Avila

O my Lord, how obvious it is that You are almighty! There’s no need to look for reasons for what You want. For, beyond all natural reason, You make things so possible that You manifest clearly there’s no need for anything more than truly to love You and truly leave all for You, so that You, my Lord, may make everything easy, It fits well here to say that You feign labor in Your law. For I don’t see, Lord, nor do I know... Read More

Which should I fear more, the devil, or my own venial sins?

Q: Dear St. Teresa, which should I fear more, the devil, or my own venial sins? A: If this Lord is powerful, as I see that He is and I know that He is, and if the devils are His slaves (and there is no doubt about this because it’s a matter of faith), what evil can they do to me since I am a servant of this Lord and King? Why shouldn’t I have the fortitude to engage in combat with all of hell? May it please His... Read More