15 October Feast

From the “Works” of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin
(book “The Book of Life,” chapter 22, 6-7, 14)

Let Us Always Remember the Love of Christ

Those who have Christ Jesus as their friend and follow such a magnanimous captain as he certainly can endure anything; for Jesus helps and gives strength, never fails, and loves sincerely. In fact, I have always recognized and still see clearly that we cannot please God and receive great graces from him except through the hands of the most sacred humanity of Christ, in which he said he was pleased.

I have experienced this many times, and the Lord himself has told me so. I have clearly seen that we must pass through this door if we desire that the supreme Majesty show us his great secrets. We must not seek another way, even if we have reached the summit of contemplation, because this way is sure. It is from him, our Lord, that all good things come to us. He will instruct us.

Meditating on his life, you will find no more perfect model. What more could we desire when we have such a good friend at our side who never abandons us in tribulations and misfortunes, as the friends of the world do? Blessed is he who truly loves him and always has him with him! Let us look at the glorious apostle Paul, who could not help but always have the name of Jesus on his lips, because he had it firmly fixed in his heart. Knowing this truth, I have considered and learned that some very contemplative saints, such as Francis, Anthony of Padua, Bernard, and Catherine of Siena, followed no other path. We must walk this path with great freedom, abandoning ourselves into God's hands. If he wishes to raise us up among the princes of his court, let us willingly accept this grace.

Every time we think of Christ, let us remember the love that prompted him to grant us so many graces and the ardent charity that God has shown us by giving us in him a pledge of the tenderness with which he follows us: for love demands love. Therefore, let us strive to consider this truth and inspire ourselves to love. If the Lord were to grant us the grace, once, to imprint this love in our hearts, everything would become easy for us and we would accomplish much, quickly and without effort.

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Edizioni Carmelitane has published A Spirituality of Truth: Philosophical Explorations of St. Teresa of Jesus by renowned Philippino author Macario Ofilada Mina. It is available at from Edizioni Carmelitane.
 
We also offer a number of other books on the life of St. Teresa, her work, and legacy. We suggest reading the following books, available from Edizioni Carmelitane: The Heirs of St. Teresa of Avila and "I Consider the Labor Well Spent" A Mini-Course on the Interior Castle.

To access these and many other fine publications at Edizioni Carmelitane, click here.