Ignorance not malice…
If I should say anything that is not in conformity with what is held by the Holy Roman Catholic Church, it will be through ignorance and not through malice.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
To will is to do…
Even if the whole world should blame you, and deafen you with its cries, what matter so long as you are in the arms of God? He is powerful enough to free you from everything; for only once did He command the world to be made and it was done; with Him, to will is to do.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Believe only those…
Cease troubling about these fears, then, sisters; and never pay heed to such matters of popular opinion. This is no time for believing everyone; believe only those whom you see modeling their lives on the life of Christ. Endeavor always to have a good conscience; practice humility; despise all worldly things; and believe firmly in the teaching of our Holy Mother Church.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Dwells within my soul…
I think, if I had understood then, as I do now, how this great King really dwells within this little palace of my soul, I should not have left Him alone so often, but should have stayed with Him and never have allowed His dwelling-place to get so dirty. How wonderful it is that He Whose greatness could fill a thousand worlds, and very many more, should confine Himself within so small a space, just as He was pleased to dwell within the womb of His most holy Mother!
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Countless little ways…
God calls to us in countless little ways all the time. Through illnesses and suffering and through sorrow he calls to us. Through a truth glimpsed fleetingly in a state of prayer he calls to us. No matter how halfhearted such insights may be, God rejoices whenever we learn what he is trying to teach us.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Settle little store by consolations…
Set little store by consolations and tenderness in devotion, and do not be elated when the Lord gives them nor disconsolate when he withholds them. When I hear men of learning and intelligence making such a fuss because God is not giving them feelings of devotion, it revolts me to listen to them: they should master themselves and go on their way.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
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