Knowing ThySelf

The soul collects its  faculties together and enters within itself to be with its God. (Chapter 28 'The Way of Perfection')

We all have a body that is visible and a Soul that is Invisible. Just as we tend to the needs of our body, we also have to see to the needs of our souls. 

A good way of doing so is to 'recollect our outward senses' and begin the journey inwards. ….. Detaching from our anxieties and concerns ...

And in that process comes into 'a gradual increase of self-control and an end to vain wandering .....; it means conquering, which is a making use of one's senses for the sake of the inner life.' (Chapter 29 'The Way of Perfection')

#self control #self #soul #saint teresa of avila #saint teresa #carmelite #spirituality

Way of Love

" 'Love works so in me
that whether things go well or badly
love turns them to one sweetness
transforming the soul in ITSELF. '
(from the Poetry of St John of the Cross)

How sweet is the way of love, dear Mother. True one can fall or commit infidelities, but, knowing how to draw profit from everything, love quickly consumes everything that can be displeasing to Jesus; it leaves nothing but a humble and profound peace in the depths of the heart. "

Upon reflecting, it is indeed a humble gesture to place one's will in the hands of another, and an act of love to sacrifice one's own desire. Slowly but surly, one will go about uniting one's will to that of the Heavenly Father, in this journey of love.

#st therese of lisieux #st therese #therese #carmelite #spirituality #way #love