Monthly Archives: September 2014

Spiritual Warfare and Tai Chi

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Dave Small — Leave a comment

So, Christian souls, whom the Lord has brought to this point on your journey, I beseech you, for His sake, not to be negligent, but to withdraw from occasions of sin–for even in this state the soul is not strong…

Tagged with: Christian formation, Christian Mysticism, Christianity, Dave_Small, Divine Favors, Faculties, Fifth Mansions, Interior Castle, Love, Mystical Prayer, Perseverance, Prayer and Meditation, Prayer of Union, Sin, Spain, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Favors, spiritual formation, Spiritual Warfare, Supernatural Prayer, Tai Chi, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Avila Turns 500, The Interior Castle, Theresa of Avila
Posted in 5th Mansions - Chapter 4, Spiritual Warfare

Marriage as a Spiritual Metaphor

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Dave Small — 1 Comment

I am only making a rough comparison, but I can find no other which will better explain what I am trying to say than the Sacrament of Matrimony. The two things work differently, for in this matter that we are…

Tagged with: 500, Ascetic Prayer, Christian formation, Christian Mysticism, Christianity, Dave Small, Dave_Small, Deception, Divine Favors, Fifth Mansions, Illuminative Prayer, Interior Castle, Jesus as Spouse, Love, Marriage Metaphor, Mother Teresa, Mystical Prayer, Prayer of Union, Sin, Sixth Mansions, Spain, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Favors, spiritual formation, Spiritual Guidance, Spiritual Marriage, Spiritual Warfare, St John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Avila Turns 500, The Devil, The Interior Castle, Theresa of Avila, Theresa of Avila Turns 500, Union with Christ, Unitive Prayer
Posted in 5th Mansions - Chapter 4

Are You Tired of the Fighting?

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Dave Small — 2 Comments

But, believe me, if you find you are lacking in this virtue, you have not yet attained union. So ask Our Lord to grant you this perfect love for your neighbor, and allow His Majesty to work, and, if you…

Tagged with: 500, Christian formation, Christian Mysticism, Christianity, Dave Small, Dave_Small, Fifth Mansions, Humility, Interior Castle, Joy, Love, Mystical Prayer, Prayer of Union, Self-knowledge, Sin, Spain, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Director, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Avila Turns 500, The Interior Castle, Theresa of Avila, Theresa of Avila Turns 500
Posted in 5th Mansions - Chapter 3

Hooked on a Feeling

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Dave Small — Leave a comment

When I see people very diligently trying to discover what kind of prayer they are experiencing and so completely wrapped up in their prayers that they seem afraid to stir, or to indulge in a moment’s thought, lest they should…

Tagged with: Christian formation, Christian Mysticism, Dave Small, Dave_Small, Fifth Mansions, Interior Castle, Love, Mystical Prayer, Prayer of Union, Spain, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Favors, spiritual formation, Supernatural Prayer, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Avila Turns 500, The Interior Castle, Theresa of Avila, Theresa of Avila Turns 500
Posted in 5th Mansions - Chapter 3

Imagination and Ambition

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Dave Small — 2 Comments

I like the way in which some souls, when they are at prayer, think that, for Gods sake, they would be glad if they could be humbled and put to open shame–and then try to conceal quite a slight failure.…