CARMELITE QUOTE

ST. TERESA OF JESUS (AVILA)

FEAST DAY: OCTOBER 15

ON HUMAN PRAISE

Concerning the peace the world gives through honors. I don't think I have to say anything for you; the poor are never honored very much. What can do you great harm is praise--for once it starts it never ends--if you are not careful, so as to humble yourselves more afterward. The most common way will be by telling you that you are saints, in such exaggerated terms that it seems the devil teaches these words. And indeed he must sometimes. For if the words were spoken in the person's absence, they could be tolerated. But spoken in the person's presence, what fruit can they bear? Only harm, if you are not very cautious.

For love of God I ask you that you never seek peace for yourselves through these words of praise, for little by little they could do you harm and make you believe that the truth was spoken or make you think that now everything is accomplished and that you have done your part. You should never let a word of praise pass without it moving you to wage war interiorly, for this is easily done if you acquire the habit.
Meditations on the Song of Songs, No. 11 & 12


Enjoy the "Living Flame of Love" (Poem by St. John of the Cross)
performed by the Malone University (Canton, Ohio) Chamber Choir.








Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds