Lord, how you afflict your lovers! But everything is small in comparison to what you give them afterwards.
Teresa of AvilaI thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal, and containing many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions.
Teresa of AvilaWe should blush for shame to show so much resentment at what is done or said against us, knowing that so many injuries and affronts have been offered to our Redeemer and the saints.
Teresa of AvilaLet nothing disturb thee, let nothing affright thee. All things are passing. Patience obtains all things. He who has God has everything - God alone suffices.
Teresa of AvilaYou ought to make every effort to free yourselves even from venial sin, and to do what is most perfect.
Teresa of AvilaDo not be dismayed, daughters, at the number of things that you have to consider before setting out on this divine journey, which is the royal road to heaven. By taking this road we gain such precious treasures that it is no wonder if the cost seems to us a high one. The time will come when we shall realize that all we have paid has been nothing at all by comparison with the greatness of our prizes.
Teresa of Avila