Question about Interior Castle

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Monica4316

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Hello,

I had a question about the Interior Castle by St Teresa, for those who’ve read it.

Disclaimer: this is more theoretical… I’m not saying I have spiritual experiences like those of the upper mansions

Disclaimer again: I agree with anyone who would say that we should never ever seek these experiences or feelings, and that holiness is found in love for God and virtues like humility.

St Teresa talks about people in certain mansions (I don’t mean 6th and 7th, but anywhere from 3rd/4th to 7th) - having spiritual experiences such as consolations, then ecstasies, visions, etc.

My question is, does a person only experience these things when they reach a particular mansion, or can it be that a person is in - the 2nd mansion, but then experiences a consolation one day? Or, if they are in the 3rd mansion, but experience ecstasy? I think at one point she talks about “visiting” other mansions, but I can’t remember this clearly or what she says about that.

Just wondering! thank you 🙂
 
Yes, one may move back and forth between these mansions. In her biography, The Life, she had received often during her illness at an earlier age, the Prayer of Quiet, and brief touches of Union. She admitted that she became rather lukewarm during some 20 years afterwards, but when she returned to her former practice of mental prayer and gave up the parlor and certain friendships the Lord warned her about, the supernatural gifts were bestowed upon her again. This is a great encouragement for many of us to understand that no matter how far we have fallen, the Lord loves us so much as to restore us to his intimate friendship again.

In the 5th mansion, she cautions that those who arrived thus far need to be VERY careful to avoid the occasions of sin.

Re your question about consolations in the second mansion. I would say it is not impossible, but they are transitory. Upon reaching the third mansion, they become more frequent, and take on the supernational character of gift. In the lower mansions, they may be consoling, but not a divine gift that one receives later.
 
The first book I read was " The way to perfection ". Don’t ask me why, I’ve no clue how it
came under my radar as I’m not the overly pious sort. However I do believe in the power of prayer and say am and pm prayer. My devotion is great toward St Micheal the Archangel and the Sacred Heart. While serving in Vietnam, a buddist monk, an abbot in a covent there saw me almost get hit with shrapnel. We used to bring the monks food we could spare and meds for the kids they helped. I said, ’ I could have been killed " and he said, well you weren’t. He asked my religion and I said RC. He said " don’t you have nuns and priests who retire from life to do nothing but pray for others ? I said yes, Trappists, Carmelites, not even knowing or caring about either. He said, perhaps one said to God give my prayer to the person who needs it most. Maybe you were that person. Never forgot that. So, I began to read the book. Some of it escaped me but I was struck by the fact that she might have been describing our time even though she was speaking about 16th century Spain and Europe rife with the heresy of Luther. So I followed her advice and focused on prayer as she described. After about a month I noticed colors, dark purple and yellow shimmering lights. Naturally I ascribed it to brain activity secondary to a change in brain waves. Several studies site changes in the EEG of patients in sleep studies who were awake but producing theta waves. It was discovered that in these cases the people were praying usually a rosary but not always. More studies were done and the results can probably be found online. On some days the lights are strong,beautiful and result in feelings of well being post prayer. It doesn’t happen with any other activity. The Interior castle is way above my paygrade but it seems that a woman or man living in the contemplative life would probably be more easily attuned to its disciplines. Rough sledding for the layperson but a nice intellectual exercise. Hope this helps. There is a remarkable Mini-series on EWTN dealing with the life of St Theresa you might find enjoyable.
 
I have read that it is not uncommon to move between different mansions. Also as far as consolations, a person can move from consolation to desolation on a daily – even hourly basis. I don’t know anything about visions or ecstasies though.
 
God can do what he wants and he can mix and match as it suits Him, for the good of the soul, all the other people, and for His own greater glory. What we should focus on is loving god and loving our neighbor.
:):)🙂
 
The person who composed the topic was asking for an opinion upon a book she was currently reading and that is what I gave her. At no time did I imply what the Diety could or
could not do as I am in no position to give him advice or to dictate what might be regarded as His job description.
 
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