~ Discussion ~ of Chapter VII The Way of Perfection |
St. Teresa continues in Chapter 7
to describe this perfect spiritual love:
"this soul...desires is to see the soul [it loves] enriched
with blessings from Heaven.
This love is a...copy of that which was borne for us by… Jesus".
St. Teresa advises us to cherish persons who are advanced
in love of God and neighbor:
"Happy the souls
that are loved by such as these!"
"..to get to know God's friends
is a very good way of 'having' Him".
St. Teresa advises us how, with God's help,
to strive to grow in love:
- "frequent confessions and communions"
- "we must always watch and pray,
for there is no better way than prayer"
- To look beyond
the physical sicknesses, pain, and trials of their friend
and pray not only for her relief,
but also to pray that her sufferings
"are making her richer in virtue"
"Ask God to give her patience
so that they may win her merit".
- If we see faults in others,
"we must not judge others by ourselves"
So they "in their turn, will bear with (our own) faults,
of which (we) are not aware,
(and) must be much more numerous".
We should "think of what we were like
at the times when we have been weakest".
- "If we, ourselves, are no longer weak,
we should reflect that,
it is not due to our own efforts
But that "the Lord has made us stronger than they"
"For otherwise...the devil could easily
cool our charity toward our neighbours and
make us think
that what is really a failing on our part,
is perfection".
- To "commend to God any sister who is at fault and
- To strive for your own part
to practice the virtue
which is the opposite of her fault
with great perfection."
This good example may help more than words can.
"that you may teach your sister
by your deeds
what perhaps she could never learn
by words nor gain by punishment
"The habit of performing
some conspicuously virtuous action
through seeing it performed by another
is one which very easily takes root".
"how true and genuine will be the love of a sister
who can bring profit to everyone
by sacrificing her own profit to that of the rest!"
- To look at their virtues not their vices
- It is also a very clear sign of love...also
"To rejoice and give great praise to the Lord
if you see any increase in their virtues"
St. Teresa describes the love that desires others
to repair faults and to advance in holiness:
as Saint Monica prayed to God
and "prevailed with Him for Saint Augustine".
"If they see their friend… committing any faults,
they will speak to her about it…
This, is a very heavy cross for her to bear."
"it cannot be happy
unless it sees that its loved one
is making progress
- To assist others in their daily tasks and challenges
"It is also a very clear sign of love
to try to spare others household work
by taking it upon oneself".
- "If ...you should be cross with another…
the matter must at once be put right
and you must betake yourselves to earnest prayer".
~ End of Discussion ~ of Chapter VII |
