Teresa of Ávila: Trending quotes (page 3)

“It is of great importance, when we begin to practise prayer, not to let ourselves be frightened by our own thoughts.”

“God withholds Himself from no one who perseveres.”

“Vivo sin vivir en mí… muero porque no muero. (I live without really being alive… I die because I am not dying.)”

“Never exaggerate, but express your feelings with moderation.”

“Pain is never permanent.”

“Always think of yourself as everyone's servant; look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for them all.”

“Reflect upon the providence and wisdom of God in all created things and praise Him in them all.”

“Never affirm anything unless you are sure it is true.”

“To have courage for whatever comes in life — everything lies in that.”

“Seeing, then, that our Lord is so powerful, — as I see and know He is, — and that the evil spirits are His slaves, of which there can be no doubt, because it is of faith, — and I a servant of this our Lord and King, — what harm can Satan do unto me? Why have I not strength enough to fight against all hell? I took up the cross in my hand, — I was changed in a moment into another person, and it seemed as if God had really given me courage enough not to be afraid of encountering all the evil spirits.”

“Never compare one person with another: comparisons are odious.”

“One of my brothers was nearly of my own age; and he it was whom I most loved, though I was very fond of them all, and they of me. He and I used to read Lives of Saints together. When I read of martyrdom undergone by the Saints for the love of God, it struck me that the vision of God was very cheaply purchased; and I had a great desire to die a martyr's death, — not out of any love of Him of which I was conscious, but that I might most quickly attain to the fruition of those great joys of which I read that they were reserved in Heaven; and I used to discuss with my brother how we could become martyrs. We settled to go together to the country of the Moors, begging our way for the love of God, that we might be there beheaded; and our Lord, I believe, had given us courage enough, even at so tender an age, if we could have found the means to proceed; but our greatest difficulty seemed to be our father and mother.”

“God gave us faculties for our use; each of them will receive its proper reward. Then do not let us try to charm them to sleep, but permit them to do their work until divinely called to something higher.”

“He who cares nothing for the good things of the world has dominion over them all.”