There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Suffering on earth is temporary and minor compared to the eternal perspective of heaven.
This quote suggests that when viewed from the perspective of eternity and spiritual fulfillment, the pains and struggles we face in this life are insignificant. By comparing earthly suffering to a brief inconvenience, such as spending a night in a less-than-ideal hotel, Teresa of Avila emphasizes the transient nature of our hardships and encourages a focus on the heavenly rewards that await us.
Themes
SufferingHeavenPerspectiveLifeStruggle
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on resilience, this quote can highlight the importance of maintaining faith during difficult times.
More from Teresa Of Avila
All quotes βHow often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.
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What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?
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To converse with You, O King of glory, no third person is needed, You are always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience to all. All who desire You always find You there, and converse with You face to face
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If we do not use great care to mortify our will, there are many things which can deprives us of the holy freedom of spirit that we are seeking in order to fly more freely to our Creator, without always being bogged down with the clay of this earth. Moreover, there can never be solid virtue in a soul that is attached to its own will.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
I say the same of humility and of all the virtues; the wiles of the devil are terrible, he will run a thousand times round hell if by so doing he can make us believe that we have a single virtue which we have not. And he is right, for such ideas are very harmful, and such imaginary virtues, when they come from this source, are never unaccompanied by vainglory; just as those which God gives are free both from this and from pride.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
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