Friday, December 13 : Saint Teresa of Avila

It is important to understand that His Majesty does not lead all souls in the same way, and perhaps she who thinks herself the least of all may be the highest in His eyes. For more than fourteen years I could not meditate without a book. There are many people of this kind, and others cannot meditate even with the help of reading, but are obliged to recite vocal prayers. If they are humble, let them not think they are more imperfect or believe they will be any the worse for it in the end, for they will be quite as well off as those who enjoy many consolations. In one way such souls are safer. there is no cause for fear, nor need you doubt that you may become as perfect as the greatest contemplatives. Leave that to the Master of the house : He is wise and powerful and knows what is best for you and for Himself. You may be sure, if we do all we can and prepare ourselves for contemplation with all the perfection I have described, that if He does not grant it to us (though I believe, if our humility and detachment are sincere, He is sure to bestow this gift) , He is keeping back these consolations in reserve only to give them to us all at once in heaven. As I said elsewhere, He wishes to treat us as valiant women, ” giving us the cross His Majesty ever bore Himself. What truer frendship can He show than to choose for us what He chose for Himself? Besides, perhaps we should not have gained so rich a reward by contemplation. His judgments are His own – we have no right to interfere with them. It is well the decision does not rest with us, for, thinking it a more peaceful way, we should all immediately become contemplatives !
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team