Today, October 15, is the Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church.

St. Teresa is one of the great mystics and reformers of the Church. I only want to share today a couple of examples from her writings:

“If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend. And I clearly see that if we expect to please him and receive an abundance of his graces, God desires that these graces must come to us from the hands of Christ, through his most sacred humanity, in which God takes delight.”

My favorite poem:

If, Lord, Thy Love for Me Is Strong

If, Lord, Thy love for me is strong
As this which binds me unto Thee,
What holds me from Thee, Lord, so long,
What holds Thee, Lord, so long from me?

O soul, what then desirest thou?
–Lord, I would see, who thus choose Thee.
What fears can yet assail thee now?
–All that I fear is to lose Thee.

Love’s whole possession I entreat,
Lord, make my soul Thine own abode,
And I will build a nest so sweet
It may not be too poor for God.

O soul in God hidden from sin,
What more desires for thee remain,

Save but to love, and love again,
And all on flame with love within,
Love on, and turn to love again?

Translation by Arthur Symons

St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.