"The devil makes us believe that we have some virtue – patience, let us say – because we have determination and make continual resolutions to suffer a great deal for God’s sake. We really and truly believe that we would suffer all this, and the devil encourages us in the belief, and so we are [...]
"For the person who is truly humble is always doubtful about his own virtues; very often they seem more genuine and of greater worth when he sees them in his neighbors." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, Dover Thrift Editions, 2012.
"You see now why the saints rejoiced in insults and persecutions: it was because these gave them something to present to the Lord when they prayed to Him. What can a poor creature like myself do, who has had so little to forgive others and has so much to be forgiven herself?" Source: Saint [...]
"You must practice simplicity and humility, for those are the virtues which achieved everything." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, Dover Thrift Editions, 2012.
"St. Teresa says, that all are not allowed to speak to their king; the most that can be hoped for is to communicate with him through a third person. To converse with thee, O King of Glory, no third person is needed; Thou art always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience [...]
"When He sees a soul who loves Him greatly, He knows that soul can suffer much for Him, whereas one who loves Him little will suffer little. For my own part, I believe that love is the measure of our ability to bear crosses, whether great or small." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The [...]
"I should like to ask those who are afraid to pray for trials lest they should at once be given them what the mean when they beg the Lord to fulfill His will in them. Do they say this because everyone else says it and not because they want it to be done?" Source: [...]
"St. Teresa says, that this great King of Glory has disguised Himself in the Sacrament under the species of bread, and that He has concealed His Majesty, to encourage us to approach His Divine Heart with greater confidence. Let us, then, draw near to Jesus with great confidence and affection; let us unite ourselves to [...]
"You should each do your duty; and, if this is not appreciated by your superior, you may be sure that is will be appreciated and rewarded by the Lord. We did not come here to seek rewards in this life, but only in the life to come." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The Way [...]
"True humility consists in our being satisfied with what is given us." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, Dover Thrift Editions, 2012.