St. Teresa’s 9 Virtues to Advance Spiritually- Oct 15 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr. Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 15, 2025, where he outlines nine conditions for growth in prayer as taught by St. Teresa of Jesus, emphasizing alignment with God's will, generosity, purification, and determination.

Father begins the homily by praising Jesus and Mary on the memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, whom he calls the Doctor of Prayer, and outlines nine conditions for growth in prayer from her teachings, as summarized in Fr. Thomas Dubay's book Fire Within. He emphasizes that the first condition is doing God's will daily and living virtuously, quoting St. Teresa on conforming one's will to God's for advancement in prayer. Father notes that growth does not depend on circumstances, as God grants favors to those who serve Him truly, regardless of external factors. He explains the need for generosity beyond commandments, likening it to a lover giving everything, and states that this is a test of union in prayer. Purification of faults is crucial, and Father shares St. Teresa's self-reflection on her imperfections, yet, as St Therese points out, Jesus came for sinners, not the righteous, as in Matthew 9:13. He discusses prudent penance, guided by a confessor, and how God gives growth based on readiness and love, tied to generosity. Father warns of possible regression due to selfishnesses like insensitivity or vanity, which hinder prayer. He highlights that practicing virtues like humility and love reinforces prayer, and finally stresses determination to persist despite trials. Throughout, Father ties these to spiritual growth, urging cooperation with God's plan through Our Lady and St. Teresa.

Further reading:

Fire Within by Thomas Dubay - Conditions for prayer growth - https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Within-Teresa-Gospel-Prayer/dp/0898702631
St. Teresa of Avila - Interior Castle text - https://www.ccel.org/ccel/teresa/castle2.html
Matthew 9:13 - NAB - Jesus calls sinners - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9?13
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2709 - Contemplative prayer explained - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c3a1.htm#2709
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2013 - Growth in holiness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#2013
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2559 - Humility in prayer - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1.htm#2559
Franciscan Media - St. Teresa of Avila profile - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-of-avila
Catholic Answers - Deepening Your Prayer Life - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/gazing-on-the-beauty-of-the-lord

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Teresa of Jesus - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=208
Readings: Wednesday 28th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101525.cfm
1st: rom 2:1-11
Resp: psa 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
Gsp: luk 11:42-46

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1176&r=1525

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