Tuesday 15 October

St Teresa of Jesus (M)

Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19:1-4; Luke 11: 37-41

Memorial: Romans 8:22-27; Psalm 19:8-11; John 15:1-8

Make your home in me

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) lived during unsettled times. As a young Carmelite, she needed to be “pruned” of her worldliness before receiving the grace of profound contemplative prayer centred on Jesus. Totally dependent on God, she worked, despite fierce opposition, to reform Carmelite life. Eventually, the fronds of authentic Carmelite life burgeoned and took root. “Prayer” she wrote, “is an act of love … Love is not great delight but the desire to please God in everything”.

Lord, help me love you. Grant me the desire to please you in everything.