St. Teresa of Jesus, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, at the age of seven ran away from home desiring martyrdom, but it did not happen. God’s plan was for her to enter the Carmelite Order and she spent her time purifying herself through fasting and prayer. She had a profound mystical union with God and received knowledge of the mystical inner life. She went on to reform many Carmelite convents and founded new ones. Many years later, she was named the first woman Doctor of the Church. The Gospel proclamation challenges us about the fundamental state of our heart before God.

How is my relationship with God? Often we harden our hearts against the Holy Spirit who is leading us to repentance. It is the Holy Spirit that will bring our sins to light so that we can receive forgiveness and be purified. Let us spend time in prayer so that we may be open to the presence and promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that we too could commune with the Father’s heart and be able to grow as one body of Christ.

Prayer: Abba Father, may I receive the grace to know that in you I lack nothing, you alone are enough for me. Amen.