Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
(Galatians 5:1-6; Luke 11:37-41)
Sometimes ideas
enslave people. In today’s first reading
St. Paul reminds the Galatians that the desire to take on the customs of the
Law will enslave them. Paul urges them just to believe in Christ. Such faith may entail hardship, but any
trials will witness to Christ’s love for all.
At other
times things enslave people. Rich foods
and every available convenience often keep people from reflection and
prayer. This kind of soft lifestyle described
the convent where Teresa of Avila was living.
She revolted against it so that she and her community might be free to
live for Christ. Rather than having servants, they lived simply, did their own
chores, and spent much time in prayer. The
reform spread to other religious orders and congregations to assist the Catholic
Counter Reformation.
Freedom allows
us to follow Christ to eternal life. It
keeps us from deformed ideas and debilitating comforts to give ourselves in
love. As Paul memorably says in today’s reading,
“For freedom Christ set us free.”
