Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

St. Teresa of Avila was a mystic from the 16th Century.  She was a member of the Carmelite order, but at the time the order was beginning to live a life of ease.  People would donate money and food to them, and the order's focus seemed to be more on enjoying the pleasures of life rather than on spirituality.  St. Teresa received a vision, however, where she was shown a place in Hell that would be hers if she did not change her ways.  After that she began work developing a deeper relationship with Jesus, not just on the outside (like praying and going to Mass and doing nice things for people) but truly believing it and living it out.  While working with St. John of the Cross she reformed the Carmelite order, starting what are today called the Discalced Carmelites. 

That inward conversion of the heart that St. Teresa went through is what St. Paul and Jesus talk about in the readings today.  St. Paul talks about those who knew God but did not accord Him glory as God.  They were probably showing what they were supposed to, but did not actually allow their whole heart and self to enter in.  The same was with the Pharisees.  Don't just say that you care about faith or do a few outward signs.  Actually live out the faith.  Let us live out the example of St. Teresa.