Quotes from Teresa of Avila

Nothing can be compared to the great beauty and capabilities of a soul; however keen our intellects may be, they are as unable to comprehend them as to comprehend God, for, as He has told us, He created us in His own image and likeness.

How poor is the wisdom of men, and how uncertain their forecast!

In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.

Learn to self-conquest, persevere thus for a time, and you will perceive very clearly the advantage which you gain from it.

How is it that there are not many who are led by sermons to forsake open sin? Do you know what I think? That is because preachers have too much worldly wisdom.

The important thing is not to think much but to love much; do, then, whatever most arouses you to love.

Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also the mind of man.

About the injunction of the Apostle Paul that women should keep silent in church? Don't go by one text only.

However softly we speak, God is near enough to hear us.

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend.

The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.

O Lord, all our troubles come to us because we do not have our eyes fixed on you. If only we looked at the path we're walking, we would soon arrive. But, we stumble and fall a thousand times and we stray because we do not set our eyes on the true Way.