A Lesson from St. Teresa of Avila

I write this blog post on the liturgical memorial of St Teresa of Avila. One of her most famous counsels has always touched me deeply. It is as follows:

Let nothing disturb you
Let nothing frighten you
All things are passing away
God never changes
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing
God alone suffices

In Canada we have just celebrated Thanksgiving. In these words of Saint Teresa we have articulated the deepest ground of our gratitude: the love of our all-powerful, never-changing God, who protects and provides for His children. Our thanks will often focus on created things, which is natural enough but insufficient. Our most profound thanks is directed to the Creator, God Himself, on whom we depend for life and all that is given within it. God alone suffices.

On this same weekend the Holy Father, Pope Francis, directed the attention of the world to Mary, the mother of Jesus, our Lord and God. In a moving ceremony at St. Peter's in Rome he consecrated the whole world to her Immaculate Heart. Mary is a wondrous gift to the world, and I am grateful to His Holiness for drawing our attention to the protection her maternal love offers.

If some worry or difficulty is, in fact, disturbing you, perhaps you could remember today the advice of Saint Teresa. God is always greater. He loves us as our Father, and provides for all we truly need. There is no need for fear. In addition, go to Mary and seek the help of her intercession. She is our mother who loves us beyond all telling and hears our every prayer.