September 26, 2009
Interior Castle, part 3
We’ve come now to the third or mansions, or the third floor of our tower. At this point in Teresa’s descriptions we’ve arrived at the point where people are basically living a pious life. In this level we find people who have managed to overcome the day to day struggles of sin. Granted, from her description, the holiness appears to be an outward holiness, and perhaps hasn’t penetrated them completely.
I believe that, through His goodness, there are many such souls in the world: they are most desirous not to offend His Majesty; they avoid committing even venial sins; they love doing penance, they spend hours in recollection; they use their time well; they practise works of charity toward their neighbours; and they are very careful in their speech and dress and in the government of their household if they have one.
Teresa’s main caution for people at this level is one of pride. For many at this level they don’t understand how to deal with trials that are sent from God. They suddenly encounter a crisis of faith when they encounter trouble, and in their mind, all of their works of charity and penance make them feel like they should be free of those trials. Teresa comments to her pupils that there is little that can be done for these people, because they can’t fathom why they should be suffering.
It is this feeling of entitlement that is what separates these souls from those higher in the tower, closer to Christ. They have accepted the role of living a pious life, seeking after Christ in all they do. Yet, they still consider all of these works as a way to avoid hardship. However, as Teresa states:
For we have offended God, and, however faithfully we serve Him, it should never enter our heads that we can deserve anything.
As I reflect on this chapter personally for me, I can’t help but think, “I’m never going to even get this far….” The idea of living a pious and righteous life (even only outwardly) in our modern world seems hard to attain. I feel like there is so much in this world that can pull us towards sin, or even just general unkindness, that we may have it a bit harder today than Teresa did. Yet, I then think about some of the people I’ve known in my life, especially in some of the older saintly people, and in them I see a model of this type of life. So, from that evidence I have to assume it can be attained. These are people who I see living a life of devotion to God, and service to the world, and it makes me humbled.
The other thought I wanted to comment on is her statement about pride. Our culture too often gives us this feeling like we “deserve” good things in life, and Teresa states flat out that this is a lie. We deserve nothing, everything we have is a gift. It’s something that I’ve heard people say to me, that they deserve a certain something because of things they’ve been through. However, that’s not reality, and it seems to only lead to more and more disappointment. So as I continue to think about what Teresa has to say for us today, I need to continue to keep myself focused on two things.
1. The truth that everything is a gift, and we should be thankful for it.
2. A pious life is possible, but not without a great deal of work and humility.
Written and posted by Jamison on September 26, 2009, 12:38 pm.
Filed under: General Discussion, Reflections, Transformation
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Michael said,
September 26, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
I’d probably go even further to say that the pious life is more than just possible, but that it’s mandated. The scriptures continually call us to humility, to a life of holiness, and to take on the nature of Christ. We cannot follow Christ when we’re following our own agenda, our own passions, and our own desires; and that requires humility and selflessness to set those things aside and follow Christ.
What we seem to be missing in many of the books and teachings these days is the call to discipline, to sacrifice, and to self-denial — casting aside all things that would hinder us from running the race. Those things, unfortunately, are numerous and abundant in our culture; TV, excessive recreation, and pretty much anything out there that draws attention to what we want versus what we need to draw us closer into communion with Christ and to make us more like Him.
Is a pious life possible? I think it’s imperative, probable and required of us if we have any hope of becoming like Christ.
Michael said,
September 26, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
A quick addendum to my previous reply; such a life — pious and anything but self-serving — is incredibly difficult, but not insurmountable.
Jamison said,
September 26, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
Amen and agreed.
Like you said, not easy in our culture with so many distractions. I almost think what’s required is a community of people that make a commitment (and a serious one at that), to walk that journey of self-discipline together, and to keep each other accountable and on track.