Scottish Catholic Observer

Renowned theologians in 16th century Spain were adamant that meditation was bad for women (and I may add lay people in general). They believed it led to hallucinations, heresy and undermined the authority of the Church. This last was a major concern, for we are in the middle of the reformation. Reformers are relying on interior inspiration and private interpretation of the Bible.

Given this climate, it is difficult to grasp how one simple nun could not only practice this kind of prayer but found convents all over Spain for others to do so too—until you meet Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, that is. St Teresa of Avila (1515–1582) was born at the beginning of the 16th

Century and entered the Convent of the Incarnation just outside the walls of Avila on November 2 1535. At this time, Europe was in turmoil and upheaval, both in the world of politics and in the Church. Printing had brought the possibility of a better informed laity, better education and communication of ideas and, of course, almost a quantum leap into a new world. Not dissimilar, but perhaps less radical than the new IT culture has been for us.

Witnessing the Church being torn apart, she decided to do ‘the little that was in her’ which was to live the Gospel as perfectly as she could and encourage others to do the same. Instead of raising an army, entering into the theological debates, or taking the journey across the ocean to other lands, she took the journey within to the centre where Christ Himself dwelt. This required a deep conversion of heart and she with her companions aimed to be such good friends of Christ that He would refuse nothing to them. Not only did they pray for the priests and theologians and give themselves for the needs of the Church and the world, but Teresa opened up for many Christians a way of interior prayer, and her writings are as relevant today as they were then.

With a group of like-minded sisters, and after being told in prayer to earnestly strive to make a new foundation of Carmel where the original Rule could be lived more fully, she set about the founding of the Carmel of Saint Joseph in Avila in 1562. Thereafter and with many trials and tribulations, not least of which were the terrible travelling conditions of the day, she went on to found many more monasteries and to instigate reform amongst the Carmelite Friars. In all this, she suffered many contradictions and criticisms and had to hold fast to what she believed was God’s will. She was indeed brought to the notice of the Inquisition at different times, but never found guilty.

The consultation of learned men was very important for Teresa, and she had many directors over the years to whom she consulted regarding what was happening in her interior life. She was asked to put these experiences in writing, and though this was not a task to Teresa’s liking, she did so, and thus we have the great body of works today which give her teaching on the life of prayer. She died in 1582, worn out by her travels and by the cares and responsibilities for her new Carmels, but happy to die ‘a daughter of the Church.’

Teresa had an outgoing personality, yet lived a deep interior life which she shares with others, a woman with a sense of humour and with great common sense, a mystic, a writer, chronically ill, a business woman, a saint and a spiritual mother. All these and many more descriptions can be found exemplified in the life and writings of this extraordinary woman. What endears her to many is the long struggle she had to be faithful. For 18 years she constantly fell back into a lukewarm way of living her vocation until she was given a special grace. She has fought the battles and temptations we all have to meet on the way.

For St Teresa a life of prayer is this —living in the loving companionship of Jesus Christ who dwells within our hearts. Gradually, if we are faithful, our lives will be transformed. But this is no ephemeral transformation, out of touch with the real world. When Teresa describes the height of mystical prayer she stresses: “All the soul’s concern is taken up with how to please Him more and how or where it will show Him the love it bears Him. This is the reason for prayer… the birth of good works, good works Let us desire and be occupied in prayer not for the sake of our enjoyment but so as to have strength to serve.” And in her down-to-earth way: “The Lord doesn’t look so much at the greatness of our works as at the love with which they are done.”

Faced with the problems of her time, St Teresa resolved to do the little that was in her power. With so much violence and hatred in today’s world we might be tempted to feel that it is beyond our power to do anything, but here is Teresa’s word for us: ‘do whatever you can,’ and our most powerful means is to persevere in our journey towards the fullness of life in God. Gospel values—love of God shown in love of our neighbour—this is the goal St Teresa wishes for each of us. It is something all can do for ‘the soul’s progress does not lie in thinking much’ but in loving much.’ Nor does it matter where life finds us for ‘the Lord walks among the pots and pans helping’ you both interiorly and exteriorly.”

As we enter upon this year celebrating the 5th centenary of her birth may her teaching inspire and encourage many

to embark or continue on the inner journey, transforming their lives and thus helping to transform our troubled world of today.

— Scotland boasts three Carmels of St Teresa: One in Dumbarton, Dysart and Glasgow

— Pic: Paul McSherry