“Find a place where we can be alone and look upon Him present within us.”

(The Way of Perfection 28.2)

Translated from the original by Ana Giménez.

The art of learning how to recollect oneself consists in entering within ourselves “in this paradise with God” in this “strong castle” of our soul.

We are not yet in supernatural things given by God as presents, but in things we can reach with persistence and effort. For Teresa, it is the safest way to reach perfect contemplation, “for it is equivalent to a gradual gaining of the mastery over herself and is not vain labor. To conquer oneself for one’s own good“ (The Way of Perfection 29, 7) (read chapter 29)

Once the faculties are recollected deep inside we can find the loving presence of the three Persons of the Trinity. We can equally address to any of the three, as Father, as brother, or as Love. (Read chapters 27 of The Way of Perfection)

The castle is: “a palace of priceless worth, built entirely of gold and precious stones (…) for there is no building so beautiful as a soul that is pure and full of virtues, and, the greater these virtues are, the more brilliantly do the stones shine. Imagine that within the palace dwells this great King, Who has vouchsafed to become your Father” (The Way of Perfection 28.9) (read chapter 28 of The Way of Perfection)

“how this great King really dwells within this little palace of my soul, I should not have left Him alone so often, but should have stayed with Him.” (The Way of Perfection 28.11) 

Every time we remember throughout the day, the guest who dwells within us, we will recollect ourselves in Him for a while and we will walk through our life in His company.

(Photo, Jess Loiterton, Pexels.com)