J
Joysong
Guest
**After much reflection, I thought that it is not a good time to begin a thread on the seven mansions of the Interior Castle, for spring chores really take up a great deal of my time. If anyone else is prompted to do so, I think many would be willing to help you carry it forward. **
Because we all strive for virtuous living, no matter what mansion we may believe ourselves to be in, I wanted to share these maxims that I obtained on a website somewhere, that have in their wisdom, all we need to follow Christ. You may feel free to comment on any of them for our benefit, if the Lord prompts you.
THE MAXIMS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA:
Because we all strive for virtuous living, no matter what mansion we may believe ourselves to be in, I wanted to share these maxims that I obtained on a website somewhere, that have in their wisdom, all we need to follow Christ. You may feel free to comment on any of them for our benefit, if the Lord prompts you.
THE MAXIMS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA:
- Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so. also, the mind of man.
- Speak well of all that is spiritual, such as religious, priests, and hermits.
- Let thy words be few when in the midst of many.
- Be modest in all thy words and works.
- Never be obstinate, especially in things of no moment.
- In speaking to others be always calm and cheerful.
- Never make a jest of anything.
- Never rebuke any one but with discretion, and humility, and self-abasement.
- Bend thyself to the temper of whomever is speaking to thee: be merry with the mirthful, sorrowful with the sad: in a word, make thyself all things to all, to gain all.
- Never say anything thou hast not well considered and earnestly commended to our Lord, that nothing may be spoken which shall be displeasing unto Him.
- Never defend thyself unless there be very good reasons for it.
- Never mention anything concerning thyself which men account praiseworthy, such as learning, goodness, birth, unless with a hope of going good thereby, and then let it be done with humility, remembering that these are gifts of God.
- Never exaggerate, but utter thy mind in simplicity.
- In all talking and conversation let something be always said of spiritual things, and so shall all idle words and evil-speaking be avoided.
- Never assert anything without being first assured of it.
- Never come forward to give thine own opinion about anything unless asked to do so, or charity requires it.
- When any one is speaking of spiritual things do thou listen humbly and like a learner, and take to thyself the good that is spoken.
- Make known to thy superior and confessor all thy temptations, imperfections, and dislikes, that he may give thee counsel and help thee to overcome them.
- Do not stay out of thy cell, nor go forth from it without cause, and when thou goest forth beg of God the grace not to offend him.
- Never eat or drink except at the usual times, and then give earnest thanks to God.
- Do all thou doest as if thou didst really see His Majesty: a soul makes great gains thereby.
- Never listen to, or say, evil of any one except of thyself, and when that gives thee pleasure thou art making great progress.
- Whatever thou doest, offer it up to God, and pray it may be for His honor and glory.
- In thy mirth refrain from immoderate laughter, and let it be humble, modest, kindly, and edifying.
- Imagine thyself always to be the servant of all, and look upon all as if they were Christ our Lord in person; and so shalt thou do Him honor and reverence.
- Be ever ready to perform the duties of obedience, as if Jesus, in the person oft he prior or superior, had laid His commands upon thee.
- In all thy actions, and at every hour, examine thy conscience; and, having discerned thy faults, strive, by the help of God, to amend them, and by this way thou shalt attain to perfection.
- Do not think of the faults of others, but of what is good in them and faulty in thyself.
- Desire earnestly always to suffer for God in every thing and on every occasion.
- Offer thyself unto God fifty times a day, and that with great fervor and longing after God.
- Call to mind continually throughout the day the matter of the morning meditation: be very careful herein, for it will do thee much good.
- Lay up carefully what our Lord may say to thee, and act upon the desires He may have filled thee with in prayer.
- Always avoid singularity to the utmost of thy power, for it does great harm in a community.
- Read often the rules and constitutions of the order, and observe in sincerity.
- In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.
- Withhold thy heart from all things: seek God, and thou shalt find Him.
- Do not show signs of devotion outwardly when thou hast none within, but thou mayest lawfully hide the want thereof.
- Let not thine inward devotion be visible unless in great necessity: St. Francis and St. Bernard used to say, “My secret is mine.”
- Never complain of the food, whether it be well or ill dressed; remembering the gall and vinegar of Jesus Christ.
- Speak to no one at table, and lift not thine eyes to another.