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.
Each of us has a soul, but we forget to value it. We don't remember that we are creatures made in the image of God. We don't understand the great secrets hidden inside of us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing our inner selves and spiritual essence as created in God's image.
Teresa of Avila's quote speaks to the profound nature of human beings, suggesting that each individual possesses a soul that holds great significance and potential. It highlights a common tendency to overlook or undervalue this inner self, urging us to remember our divine origin and the deep truths that lie within us. By acknowledging our spiritual nature, we can unlock deeper wisdom and understanding that enriches our lives.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-discovery, one might quote this to encourage audience members to reflect on their inner value.
More from Teresa Of Avila
All quotes →How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.
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?
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
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.
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.
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