Episode 1831: St Teresa - Way of Perfection - Part 2

Did you ever notice that if you speak of anything spiritual with people that do not practice the faith or maybe partially practice the faith or what I call mail in the practice of the faith they will say things like “I could never be that spiritual so who am I fooling”. Well actually its quite the opposite. Not only can you but you should and its just a matter of focus or what I call getting your mind right.
During this up coming lent season I want to add two additional series that I hope will help you go there. The first is
St Teresa “Way of Perfection,” Now you know I am already covering her book titled “Interior Castle” I am which I tell you not only how she moves you through the various Mansions but how I am truly struggling to get out of the first mansion. But I am trying. The other is the Lenten Meditations written around quotes from Padre Pio. This one will be covered by Sharon and Nancy, and I really look forward to this series because I get to just produce them and let them go with it. Awesome!
The Way of Perfection" ("Camino de Perfección" in Spanish) is a spiritual classic written by St. Teresa of Avila, a prominent Carmelite nun and mystic. The book was composed in the 16th century as a guide for the nuns of the Discalced Carmelite order, which St. Teresa co-founded. Here is an overview of "The Way of Perfection":

I was trying to figure out what I will use for this Lenten season as a means of getting prepared and then I thought this will do it and so I hope you find this helpful. As always I suggest you buy the book and follow along since I am giving a high level overview and you job is to read it for your Lenten practice.

1. Purpose:
St. Teresa wrote "The Way of Perfection" to provide practical guidance on prayer and the pursuit of a deeper, more contemplative relationship with God. The book serves as a manual for the nuns in her convent, offering insights into the practice of prayer and the spiritual life.

2. Structure:
The book consists of 42 chapters, each addressing various aspects of the spiritual journey. St. Teresa uses a conversational and informal style, making the content accessible to a broad audience.

3. Themes:

Prayer: A central theme is the importance of mental prayer (contemplative prayer) and its role in nurturing the soul's relationship with God.
Humility: St. Teresa emphasizes the significance of humility as a foundation for spiritual growth and effective prayer.
Detachment: The book discusses the need for detachment from worldly concerns and distractions to focus on interior life.

4. The Lord's Prayer:
St. Teresa often uses the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) as a guide for prayer and reflection. She breaks down its phrases and encourages a deep understanding of each part as a means of connecting with God.

5. Mystical Experiences:
While emphasizing practical aspects of the spiritual life, St. Teresa also shares some of her mystical experiences and insights into divine union.

6. Encouragement and Exhortation:
Throughout the book, St. Teresa offers encouragement to persevere in prayer and strive for perfection. She addresses common challenges and obstacles that individuals may face in their spiritual journey.

"The Way of Perfection" is considered one of St. Teresa's significant works, alongside "The Interior Castle." Both works provide valuable insights into the Christian contemplative tradition and have been influential in Catholic spirituality for centuries.
Chapter 1
In Chapter 1 of "The Way of Perfection" by St. Teresa of Avila, she begins by addressing her sisters in the convent, expressing her desire to guide them on the path of perfection and deeper prayer. Here is an overview of the key points in Chapter 1:

1. Salutation and Purpose:
St. Teresa opens the chapter with a warm salutation to her sisters, expressing her love and concern for their spiritual well-being. She makes it clear that her intention is to provide practical advice on prayer and the pursuit of perfection.
In the Salutation and Purpose section of Chapter 1 in "The Way of Perfection," St. Teresa of Avila addresses her fellow sisters in the convent, conveying her intentions and expressing her love and concern for their spiritual well-being. Here are more details on this aspect of Chapter 1:

1. Sisterly Address:
St. Teresa begins with an affectionate address to her sisters, using terms of endearment that reflect her familial and communal relationship with them. This establishes a sense of unity and shared purpose within the religious community.

2. Desire to Guide:
St. Teresa expresses her desire to guide her sisters on the path of perfection. She sees herself as a spiritual mother and mentor, offering guidance based on her own experiences and insights into contemplative life.

3. Love and Concern:
Throughout the salutation, there is a tone of genuine love and concern for the spiritual welfare of her sisters. St. Teresa's motivation to write "The Way of Perfection" is rooted in a deep desire to assist her sisters in growing closer to God and advancing in their spiritual journey.

4. Communal Spiritual Growth:
St. Teresa views the pursuit of perfection not only as an individual endeavor but also as a communal one. She seeks to foster a shared commitment to a life of prayer and spiritual growth within the convent.

5. Recognition of Diversity:
St. Teresa acknowledges the diversity of temperaments and personalities among her sisters. She recognizes that the spiritual journey may differ for each individual, and her guidance aims to be adaptable to the unique needs of each sister.

6. Encouragement to Read and Reflect:
St. Teresa encourages her sisters to read her guidance with attention and reflection. She wants them to take her words seriously and apply them in their lives for the sake of their spiritual progress.

This section of Chapter 1 sets the relational and motivational tone for the entire book. St. Teresa's approach is not authoritarian but rather one of love, guidance, and shared commitment to a life of prayer and perfection within the community of the convent. Her desire is to lead her sisters to a deeper union with God through the practice of contemplative prayer.
2. Humility and Detachment:
Emphasizing the importance of humility, St. Teresa encourages her sisters to cultivate a humble and lowly spirit. She believes that humility is the foundation of spiritual life and an essential quality for effective prayer. Detachment from worldly concerns and desires is also highlighted as a prerequisite for progress in prayer.
Humility as the Foundation:
St. Teresa stresses that humility is the key foundation for the spiritual life. She believes that without true humility, individuals cannot progress in the practice of mental prayer or achieve genuine spiritual growth. Humility, in her view, involves recognizing one's own limitations, weaknesses, and need for God's grace.

2. Detachment from Worldly Concerns:
Alongside humility, St. Teresa underscores the importance of detachment from worldly concerns. She advises her sisters to let go of attachment to material possessions, ambitions, and distractions that may hinder their spiritual progress. Detachment involves a willingness to surrender worldly desires for the sake of a deeper relationship with God.

3. Freedom for Prayer:
St. Teresa connects detachment to freedom, emphasizing that detachment from worldly things leads to greater freedom in prayer. When individuals are not entangled by worldly attachments, they can approach prayer with greater focus and sincerity.

4. Interior Poverty:
St. Teresa encourages a sense of interior poverty, where individuals recognize their spiritual poverty before God. This recognition opens the door to receiving the richness of God's grace and guidance.

5. Purity of Intention:
Humility and detachment are closely linked to purity of intention. St. Teresa advises her sisters to engage in prayer with a pure and sincere heart, free from self-seeking motives or desires for recognition.

6. Trust in God's Goodness:
St. Teresa encourages trust in God's goodness and providence. Detachment involves trusting that God's plans are better than one's own, and humility acknowledges dependence on God for guidance and strength.

7. Self-Knowledge:
Humility, for St. Teresa, involves a deep understanding of oneself. It is not about self-deprecation but a realistic recognition of one's strengths and weaknesses, leading to a reliance on God's mercy and grace.

8. Practical Application:
St. Teresa provides practical advice on cultivating humility and detachment in daily life. This includes avoiding unnecessary discussions, practicing self-restraint, and embracing a spirit of obedience.

In this section of Chapter 1, St. Teresa lays the groundwork for the spiritual journey by emphasizing that humility and detachment are essential prerequisites for effective prayer and progress in the pursuit of perfection. The teachings on humility and detachment serve as a framework for the entire book.
3. Importance of Prayer:
St. Teresa underscores the significance of mental prayer (contemplative prayer) and encourages her sisters to engage in it regularly. She explains that mental prayer is a conversation with God that takes place in the interior of the soul. Through this form of prayer, individuals can deepen their relationship with God and progress on the path of perfection.
1. Central Role of Mental Prayer:
St. Teresa advocates for mental prayer, also known as contemplative prayer, as the primary form of communication with God. She sees mental prayer as essential for nurturing the interior life and progressing on the path of perfection.

2. Personal Encounter with God:
The practice of mental prayer, according to St. Teresa, allows individuals to have a personal encounter with God in the depths of their souls. It is a form of intimate conversation with the Divine, transcending external rituals.

3. Transformative Power of Prayer:
St. Teresa believes in the transformative power of prayer. Engaging in mental prayer can lead to a profound change in the individual, bringing about spiritual growth, inner peace, and a closer union with God.

4. Conversation with God:
St. Teresa describes mental prayer as a conversation with God where individuals can speak to Him with love and openness. This form of prayer involves both speaking to God and listening in silence, creating a two-way communication.

5. Distinction from Vocal Prayer:
While recognizing the value of vocal prayers, St. Teresa makes a distinction between vocal and mental prayer. She highlights the unique benefits of mental prayer, where the focus is on the heart and mind, allowing for a deeper connection with God.

6. Simplicity and Sincerity:
St. Teresa encourages simplicity and sincerity in mental prayer. She advises her sisters to approach prayer with a childlike trust and openness, avoiding the need for elaborate words or techniques.

7. Consistency in Prayer:
St. Teresa stresses the importance of consistency in prayer. Regular and persistent engagement in mental prayer is seen as crucial for spiritual progress. She acknowledges that establishing a habit of prayer requires effort but assures her sisters of the rewards it brings.

8. The Value of Silence:
Silence holds great importance in mental prayer. St. Teresa values moments of silence as an opportunity for receptive listening to God's voice and a deepening awareness of His presence.

In this section of Chapter 1, St. Teresa lays a strong foundation for the rest of the book by highlighting mental prayer as a key aspect of the spiritual life. The practice of mental prayer, according to her teachings, is central to the pursuit of perfection and the development of a profound relationship with God.
4. Prayer as a Battle:
St. Teresa describes the practice of mental prayer as a battle, where individuals engage in spiritual warfare against distractions and temptations. She acknowledges the challenges but assures her sisters that perseverance in prayer leads to victory.
1. Spiritual Warfare:
St. Teresa compares the practice of mental prayer to a battle, indicating that individuals engaged in this form of prayer are participants in spiritual warfare. This metaphor underscores the challenges and obstacles that may arise in the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

2. Struggle Against Distractions:
The battle in prayer involves a struggle against distractions. St. Teresa acknowledges that the mind can be easily pulled away by various thoughts and concerns. Overcoming distractions becomes a part of spiritual warfare in mental prayer.

3. Importance of Perseverance:
St. Teresa emphasizes the need for perseverance in the face of difficulties. The battle in prayer requires a steadfast commitment to continue praying, even when distractions or dryness in prayer seem to discourage the individual.

4. Trust in God's Assistance:
While prayer is described as a battle, St. Teresa encourages individuals to trust in God's assistance. She believes that God provides the strength and grace needed to overcome the challenges encountered in prayer.

5. The Role of the Enemy:
St. Teresa speaks of an unseen enemy that may attempt to thwart one's progress in prayer. This enemy could be interpreted as spiritual forces or internal struggles that hinder the soul's journey toward God.

6. Spiritual Progress Through Struggle:
The battle in prayer is not seen as a deterrent but rather as a means of spiritual progress. St. Teresa suggests that the struggles and challenges faced in prayer contribute to the purification and growth of the soul.

7. Call to Spiritual Courage:
St. Teresa's imagery of prayer as a battle serves as a call to spiritual courage. She encourages her sisters to face the difficulties in prayer with determination and courage, trusting that God's grace will ultimately lead to victory.

8. Alignment with Scriptural Imagery:
The metaphor of prayer as a battle aligns with scriptural imagery used in the Bible, where spiritual warfare and the armor of God are referenced (e.g., Ephesians 6:12-18).

In this section of Chapter 1, St. Teresa uses the concept of prayer as a battle to convey the seriousness and intensity of the spiritual journey. The challenges faced in mental prayer are framed as opportunities for growth and purification, with the assurance that God's grace is available for those engaged in the spiritual battle.
5. The Lord's Prayer:
St. Teresa introduces the use of the Lord's Prayer as a guide for mental prayer. She encourages her sisters to meditate on each phrase of the prayer, allowing it to lead them into deeper communion with God.

1. Model for Prayer:
St. Teresa views the Lord's Prayer as a model for all prayer. She suggests that the phrases of the Our Father provide a structure that can guide individuals in their own conversations with God during mental prayer.

2. Meditation on Each Phrase:
St. Teresa advises her sisters to meditate on each phrase of the Lord's Prayer, going beyond mere recitation. By contemplating the meaning of each part of the prayer, individuals can deepen their understanding and connection with God.

3. Praise and Thanksgiving:
The Lord's Prayer begins with praise and adoration ("Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name"). St. Teresa encourages her sisters to start their mental prayer with praise and thanksgiving, recognizing the holiness of God.

4. Petition and Intercession:
The prayer includes petitions for daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. St. Teresa suggests that individuals can use these petitions as a basis for expressing their own needs, seeking forgiveness, and interceding for others during mental prayer.

5. Relational Aspect:
St. Teresa emphasizes the relational aspect of the Lord's Prayer. The address "Our Father" signifies a personal relationship with God as a loving and caring Father. This relational tone is encouraged in mental prayer, fostering a sense of intimacy with God.

6. Listening to God's Voice:
As individuals engage in mental prayer using the Lord's Prayer, St. Teresa encourages them to listen attentively to God's response. This listening aspect is considered crucial in the dialogue between the soul and God.

7. Gradual Progress:
St. Teresa recognizes that individuals may progress gradually in their ability to meditate on the Lord's Prayer. She encourages patience and persistence, trusting that over time, individuals will enter more deeply into the prayerful dialogue.

8. Connection to the Interior Castle:
The use of the Lord's Prayer as a guide for mental prayer in "The Way of Perfection" aligns with St. Teresa's broader teachings on prayer and contemplation, as also explored in her other significant work, "The Interior Castle."

The introduction of the Lord's Prayer in Chapter 1 serves as a practical and structured approach to mental prayer. St. Teresa's guidance emphasizes not just reciting the prayer but entering into a contemplative dialogue with God using the Our Father as a foundation.
6. Encouragement to Begin:
Concluding the chapter, St. Teresa encourages her sisters to embark on the journey of prayer and perfection with confidence and zeal. She assures them that, with dedication and humility, they can make progress in their spiritual lives.

1. Confidence in God's Grace:
St. Teresa encourages her sisters to approach the practice of mental prayer with confidence in God's grace. She assures them that God is ready to assist and guide those who sincerely seek Him through prayer.

2. Trust in God's Goodness:
There is an emphasis on trust in God's goodness and willingness to help. St. Teresa encourages her sisters to trust that God desires their spiritual progress and is ready to bestow His graces upon them.

3. Assurance of Divine Assistance:
St. Teresa provides assurance that, despite the challenges and difficulties that may arise in the practice of mental prayer, divine assistance is available. She believes that God's love and support will sustain individuals on their journey.

4. Zeal and Determination:
St. Teresa calls for zeal and determination in the pursuit of perfection. She encourages her sisters to approach prayer with enthusiasm and a strong resolve to grow closer to God.

5. Acknowledgment of Weakness:
While calling for zeal, St. Teresa acknowledges human weakness. She recognizes that individuals may face struggles and setbacks in prayer, but she encourages them not to be discouraged, as God's grace is sufficient.

6. Willingness to Learn:
St. Teresa urges her sisters to be open to learning and growing in the practice of mental prayer. Encouragement includes a sense of humility that allows individuals to recognize the need for ongoing learning and guidance.

7. Patience and Perseverance:
St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance. The spiritual journey, including the practice of mental prayer, is seen as a gradual process that requires time, persistence, and a patient trust in God's timing.

8. Invitation to Divine Friendship:
The encouragement to begin the journey of prayer is framed as an invitation to enter into a deep friendship with God. St. Teresa views prayer as a means of fostering an intimate relationship with the Divine.

9. Closing Words of Inspiration:
The chapter concludes with words of inspiration, urging the sisters to embark on the path of prayer with joy and anticipation. St. Teresa's closing remarks aim to instill a sense of enthusiasm and hope in the hearts of her readers.

In this section, St. Teresa provides a motivational and uplifting conclusion to Chapter 1, encouraging her sisters to take the initial steps in the practice of mental prayer with trust, determination, and a joyful spirit.
Chapter 1 sets the tone for the entire book, establishing the importance of humility, detachment, and mental prayer as foundational elements for the pursuit of perfection. St. Teresa's practical and encouraging approach is characteristic of her writing style throughout "The Way of Perfection."