Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Teresa of Avila

The Cell of Saint Teresa of Avila, Carmelite Convent of La Encarnacion, Avila © Christian Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 15 October 2024
Luke 11:37-41

Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, 'Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.'

Reflection on Saint Teresa's cell

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), a towering figure in the history of the Church. To place her life in context, it's worth noting that she was born just two decades after Christopher Columbus opened the Western Hemisphere to European discovery, and only two years before Martin Luther ignited the Protestant Reformation. She lived through times of immense upheaval, including the aftermath of the Council of Trent, which ended nearly 20 years before her death. Amid these seismic events, Teresa emerged as a spiritual beacon, whose influence would reverberate through the centuries.

In an era dominated by men, Saint Teresa was very much her own person, defying her father's opposition to join the Carmelite Order. She was a paradox: deeply wise, yet intensely practical; highly intelligent, but equally attuned to the everyday world; a mystic, yet a tireless reformer; pious, yet bold and courageous. Her writings, including The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, continue to inspire generations. In 1970, she was officially recognised as a Doctor of the Church, a title she had long held in the hearts and minds of the faithful.

One of the central teachings she imparted to her fellow sisters was the importance of personal reflection and prayer, urging them to focus on the 'Interior Castle'-her metaphor for the soul. She described it as a diamond in the shape of a castle, with seven mansions that represented the soul's journey through seven stages of spiritual growth, ultimately leading to union with God. In keeping with her simple, contemplative life, I share with you an image of her humble bedroom cell-no art, no paintings, no adornments, no distractions... just a space for prayer and reflection. The bedroom features two crosses: one above her bed for protection; the other a more than life-size cross, representing Teresa's deep connection to Christ's Passion.

Saint Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-37-41-2024/