St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

“When a soul sets out upon this path, He does not reveal Himself to it, lest it should feel dismayed at seeing that its littleness can contain such greatness; but gradually He enlarges it to the extent requisite for what He has to set within it… The important point is that we should be absolutely resolved to give it [our soul] to Him for His own and should empty it so that He may take out and put in just what He likes, as He would with something of His own… as He refuses to force our will, He takes what we give Him but does not give Himself wholly until He sees that we are giving ourselves wholly to Him.” (St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church; Way of Perfection, Chapter 29)


Please help us in our mission to assist readers to integrate their Catholic faith, family and work. Tell your family and friends about this article using both the Share and the Recommend buttons below and via email. We value your comments and encourage you to leave your thoughts below. Thank you! – The Editors

Print this entry