St. Teresa teaches the difference between
outward poverty (lack of possessions)
and inward poverty
(detachment from possessions).
"when we are not poor in spirit
but only (poor) outwardly"
" let us strive to observe it inwardly"
From St. Teresa we learn that
one can have poverty but still be attached
to possessions and comforts.
Our worry and preoccupation regarding them
makes us attached to them.
Worrying
takes time from God and prayer, and
is "not being poor in spirit".
"I beg you, for the love of God...
never to allow this
to occupy your thoughts"
She teaches regarding
the interior poverty, the poverty of spirit,
which includes detachment from
possessions, security, honor and money.
Poverty in spirit and Humility
brings the other virtues forward and
fortifies them.
"if the rule of poverty is truly kept,
both chastity and all the other virtues
are fortified"
"he, who cares nothing
for the good things of the world,
has dominion over them all"
"if (true) poverty is embraced for God's sake alone,
no one has to be pleased, save God."
"Keep your eyes fixed upon your Spouse:
it is for Him to sustain you"
"Let us to some extent resemble our King
who was poor".
