Teresa of Ávila, Striving to Make Progress

Teresa of Ávila, Striving to Make Progress

            The symbolism of the Interior Castle provides imagery of a château as the soul of a person in spiritual development into Christlikeness. In this reading, Theresa reminds me that God is anxious for me to grow close to him and heed his unceasing call to approach him (163). God is interested in my interior life, thoughts, and motives. The more I grow in my journey into the castle of faith, the more I can resist sin and hear God’s call (164).

            God provides me with several “capacities” that I can use to ward off temptations. Faith, reason, my will, and understanding are useful in gaining victory over that which the enemy throws at me. However, “vain habits” can sidetrack my walk and bring me into the presence of the “venomous snakes of sin” (165). So in my faith walk, I have to be resolute and resolve to fight the battle against sin.

            Journeying into this castle, I am building on the virtues of the faith, embracing the cross, and trusting that God knows what is best for me (165). Even when troubles and pain come (being bitten by vipers), Theresa encourages me to continue with my faith and not lose heart (166). The entry way into Christlikeness (the castle) is prayer (166). As she paraphrases James 2:26, my “works have no value unless they are united with faith, and (my) faith has no value unless it is united by works” (166). I have a strong part to play in becoming more like Christ. Yes, it is the work of the Holy Spirit, but I am a co-participant in my spiritual development and formation.

All references with page numbers are from Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, Revised and expanded (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2005).