(1515-1582) Teresa was born to noble Spanish merchant parents of Jewish descent in Avila. She enjoyed reading the lives of the saints as a child and romanticized martyrdom at seven. She joined the Carmelites at 20, but remained stagnant in her spiritual life until nearly 40, when contemplative mental prayer profoundly changed her experience. She was a mystic in prayer, communicating her experiences clearly in writing and making her the first female Doctor (“Teacher”) of the Church. She reformed her order, founding the Order of Discalced (meaning “barefoot”) Carmelites with her spiritual director, Saint John of the Cross.
A dramatic shift took place in Saint Teresa’s life when she committed to daily prayer (Step 11). What could happen if you got serious about daily prayer?
“O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Your sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that are past, I believe that You, Lord, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe that You can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Your grace, both now and in the future, that I may appear before You in ‘wedding garments.’ Amen” (Saint Teresa of Avila).
Reflection by Brad Farmer