Teresa of Avila Archives

Roses and Wildflowers

Jesus set the book of nature before me and I saw that all the flowers he has created are lovely. The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. I realized that if every tiny flower wanted…

The Difficulty of Explaining Spiritual Experiences

“. . . spiritual matters are very hard to explain. . . . I am convinced that those who refuse to believe that God can do far more than this, and that He is pleased now, as in the past, to communicate Himself to His creatures, shut fast their hearts against receiving such favours themselves.…

The Still, Small Voice

I am preparing for a few days of solitude at Kingsfold Retreat Centre. How will I experience the quiet of this place? Will I hear from God? How will I know if I hear from God? Elijah, A.B. Simpson, Gordon T. Smith, and Teresa of Avila have insights. I will listen to the mighty wind,…

Endurance

“Patient endurance achieves all things; the person whom God possesses lacks nothing; God alone is sufficient.” St. Teresa of Avila (Spanish Nun, Mystic and Writer, 1515-1582) Endurance is a word frequently used in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a word I need to hear regularly. People disappoint us; daily tasks get boring;…

God Never Changes

Let nothing disturb you.Let nothing alarm you.Everything passes;God does not change.All things areAccomplished with patience.He who has GodIs lacking in nothing.God is enough. St. Teresa of Avila (Spanish Nun, Mystic and Writer, 1515-1582)

Spiritual Experiences and Reason

As I work on a graduate course at Regent College I have been reading the works of Teresa of Avila. She was a remarkable person and one who always analyzed her experiences to see if they could be from God or from her own mind. This quote is from her and speaks to using all…