In the midst of her own suffering, St. Teresa "lifts the eyes" of Doña Maria de Mendoza who is experiencing trials. St. Teresa consoles her friend by helping her to understand God's role in her suffering. Dan and Melissa discuss joy, suffering, emotions, and acts of the will as they reflect on letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.
Topics/Questions covered in the show:
How to identify the saint who can best help you in your spiritual life. Can you actually feel joy in the midst of your trials? Can you prepare yourself in advance for suffering? What are some things that hinder our spiritual growth? Can we recognize the value in our suffering? Does joy in suffering require an act of the will, or is it a gift? How does suffering aid in spiritual growth? How do "victim souls" participate in Jesus suffering and salvation of the world? Understanding that the suffering that God allows is for our salvation.
Resources:
30 Days with Teresa of Avila - Dan Burke and Anthony Lilles Divine Intimacy Radio on spiritualdirection.com website Dr. Anthony Lilles Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation The Book of Her Life - Teresa of Avila The Interior Castle Study Edition National Review Online - Kathryn Jean Lopez interviews Dan Burke Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in my sufferings..." USCCB link Acts 5:41 - "So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had bene found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name." USCCB link The Living Flame of Love - St. John of the Cross 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort..." Bible Gateway, Douay-Rheims link online Mark 9:24 - "I do believe, help my unbelief!" USCCB Bible online Pilgrimage 2016 to Avila with Dan Burke and Teresa Tomeo (March 28 - April 4, 2016) Questions? Send an e-mail to Questions@myavila.com or call 818-646-7729.