This is a wonderful message from Teresa of Avila:
She says: Do not be frightened by the many things you need to consider in order to begin this divine journey which is the royal road to heaven. A great treasure is gained in traveling this road,, no wonder we have to pay what seems to us a high price.
The time will come when you will understand how trifling everything is next to so precious a reward. Now to those who want to journey on this road and continue until they reach the end, which is to drink from this water of life. ( are you getting the picture Avila was born again? Yes, the greatest saints were the greatest lovers of Jesus Christ - it is true - their love was the key that unlocked heavens door - these were John 3:16 saints )
Again, Avila says: I say that how they are to begin is very important - in fact, all important. They must have a great and very resolute determination to persevere until reaching the end come what may, whatever work is involved, whatever criticism arises, whether they die on the road or even if they don't have courage for the trials that are met or if the whole world collapses. You will hear persons frequently making objections: "there are dangers", so and so went astray by such means, another who prayed a great deal fell away, "it's not for women", for they will be susceptible to illusions, "It's better they stick to their sewing"..
Avila wrote these words, folks! Did this woman of God have some opposition to her instructions on prayer?! You bet she did! Satan has always been alive and well inside the church trying to prevent those who would dare to live holy in front of men and devils - from a life of prayer! Oh! St. Avila is not alone - this has been the story from the very beginning... Jesus said, the wheat and the tares shall grow together - where else would that be but inside the churches? Still this woman of God prevailed in her prayer life and tells the nuns under her instruction - do not listen to them! LISTEN TO ME! What a good lesson she gives on the matter of prayer.
She says: Should anyone tell you that prayer is dangerous consider him the real danger and run from him. Don't forget this counsel, for perhaps you will need it. There will be a danger in not having humility and the other virtues, But that is the way of prayer by a way of danger - God would never will that. It seems the devil has invented these fears.
And now we see how blind the world is, for they fail to consider the many thousands who have fallen into heresies, and great evils because they didn't practice prayer but engaged in distractions. Those who take this reasoning as a refuge in order to free themselves should be on their guard, for they are running away from good in order to free themselves from evil. Never have I seen such wicked contrivance, it really seems to come from the devil.
Therefore, Sisters, give up these fears, never pay attention in like matters to the opinion of the crowd. Behold, these are not the times to believe everyone, believe only those you see walking in conformity to Jesus Christ's life.
Leave aside, as I said, your fears - where there is no reason for fear. If someone should raise these fears to you, humbly explain the path to him. Tell him you have a rule that commands you to pray unceasing - for that's what commands us - and that you must keep. - Teresa of Avila - Early Saint of the Roman Catholic Church -
Amen, Sister! Amen! I love how Avila always held fast to the Word of God. This saint of God would never dare deny Jesus Christ! Ever! She didn't believe anyone could gain heaven without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, without repentance, salvation, living a life holy unto the Lord and obeying the scriptures such as praying without ceasing.... Avila faced much opposition even from those within the Roman Catholic Church - she was living in a time of great persecution of the saints and one close to her - John of the Cross was imprisoned in a dungeon for his life of full surrender to Christ which threatened some... The sons of Cain and the sons of Abel have always dwelled under the same roof throughout church history and today is no different. Soon the angels will separate the wheat from the tares and the wheat shall be bundled up and put in the barn and the tares shall be bundled up and burned. I know Avila is in heaven. Her heart was consumed by her love for Jesus. It isn't about title or what church you are in - it is about "relationship".
