Reading Assignment: The Book of Her Life, chapters 17-26
Ch. 17
speaks of distractions from memory and the imagination….
1) What suggestions does Teresa give us to help?
(She speaks of three kinds of union check the footnotes #3 to clarify a bit)
Ch. 18
2) Teresa speaks of the fourth waters. Briefly describe this prayer.
3) Compare St Teresa’s view of the Soul from Interior Castle…
“The soul of the just person is nothing else but a paradise where the Lord says He finds His delight.” “It is almost impossible for us to understand the sublime dignity and beauty of the soul.”
with her comments like in the end of page 165 , section 2 May you be blessed, my Lord, that from such filthy mud as I, You make water so clear that it can be served at Your table! May You be Praised, O Joy of the angels, for having desired to raise up a worm so vile!”
Do these contradict?
with this chapter don’t miss
*(Note ff 7 on Teresa’s terminology)
Ch. 19
Teresa writes in this chapter about when she quit praying.
4) Why do you think she keeps referring to this part of her journey occasionally through her Life?
Ch. 20
5) Briefly compare/contrast union and rapture.
Ch. 21 This Chapter is like sitting in the room with her listening to her reflect on life with friends.
6) What strikes you most about how she views her life and God?
Ch. 22
7) Teresa stresses the importance of the Humanity of Christ and the importance of humility. How does she tie these together?
Ch. 23-26
8 ) Why is it important to have a “confessor” (spiritual guide)?
9) Define the following terms from these chapters, bring any questions or concerns so we can discuss these.
a) consolations
b) locutions
( what are the two kinds?)
c) discernment
(what are ways of discernment ?)
d) scrupulosity
This page has the following sub pages.
