Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
You may think, sisters, that after all that has been said about this spiritual journey (1), there is nothing more to add. But such a view is foolish, for just as God's greatness has no limits, so His activity is not restricted in any way. Who can ever describe all of His mercies and His magnificent works? Certainly no one. And so do not be surprised by what has been said, nor by what I will still share with you, for after all, it is only a letter compared to what can be said about God.
It is already a great mercy of His that He has revealed these things to people from whom we can learn, for we praise His greatness better when we recognize that it is shared with creatures, and we try to value the souls in which He takes such delight. We also have a soul, created in the image and likeness of God, but we do not know how to value it as it deserves, and therefore we do not fathom the great mysteries that are within it. May it please God — if it is for His glory — to guide my pen and teach me how to explain to you something of the many things that still remain to be said, and that God reveals to the souls He has brought into this chamber. For this purpose, I have already prayed a great deal. I would like, as God knows, for His mercy not to remain hidden and for His name to be praised and honored with even more glory. And I hope that He will listen to me, not so much for my sake, but for yours, so that you can understand how important it is that the Bridegroom does not withdraw from celebrating the spiritual marriage with you due to your fault, for this is the source of immeasurable benefit.
Great God! I am all trembling, having to speak about a matter whose understanding I deserve so little. I am completely confused by it, and I wonder if it would not be better to deal with this chamber only briefly, for it seems necessary to assume that I know it from experience, and because I know myself, it causes me indescribable shame and terrifies me. On the other hand, it seems to me that it would be a temptation and weakness not to do so. And so I surrender, despite what you may judge about it. Let the whole world scream at me, as long as my God is a little more praised and recognized. And then, when this writing is published, I may already be dead. – Blessed be He who lives and will live forever! Amen.
(1) On the path of inner prayer.
(The Castle in the Interior, 7. Abodes)
