Do you trust God even in times of terrible problems and crises? - Daily Reflections October 15,2015

Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Religious and

Doctor of the Church

THREE LESSONS FROM ST. TERESA OF AVILA

 

Teresa of Avila lived in an exciting time. Less than 20 years before she was born, Columbus discovered America. Two years after she was born, Luther started the Protestant Reformation. Out of all of this change came Teresa pointing the way from outer turmoil to inner peace.

       In spite of living the life of a mystic, she stood with both feet on solid ground. She said, “Even when in the kitchen, our Lord is among the pots and pans.” In other words, wherever you are, the Lord is present, and wherever you are, you can pray.

       When St. Paul wrote, “Pray always,” he did not mean that we have to be on our knees the whole day. We can communicate with God day and night, wherever we are.

     Another famous saying of St. Teresa is, “I know by frequent experience that there is nothing which puts the devils to flight like holy water.”

       At home we had a small holy water container at the doors to all rooms. Being surrounded by evil and living in a corrupt and sinful society, we could make more use of holy water as protection against evil influences.

       A third quite famous word of St. Teresa is this: “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing make you afraid. All things are passing. God alone never changes. Patience gains all things. If you have God you will want for nothing. God alone suffices.”

       Could there be a better advice for us worriers? St. Teresa expresses her total surrender to God’s providence. This attitude gives inner peace and calms all fears and anxieties.

      Don’t think St. Teresa could easily write such beautiful words because she was in the safety of her convent. No, she traveled a lot while founding several convents and got in trouble with the Holy Inquisition. In 1576, a series of persecutions began on the part of the older observant Carmelite Order against Teresa and her reforms. But her rock-like trust in God made her sail safely through these storms. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you trust God even in times of terrible problems and crises?

 

Lord, thank You for giving St. Teresa to the Church. Let me learn from her attitude of total trust in You and to find You close wherever I am.