Even When I Forget, I Begin Again
Saint Teresa of the Andes shares a Lenten moment of forgetfulness, fidelity, and grace
I always place myself in God’s presence, but there are days when I forget about it.
I make my meditation every day, and now during Lent, I make it on the Passion.
I’ve been able to go more deeply into Christ’s sufferings, usually reading John’s Gospel for this, which earlier I was unable to do because it didn’t turn out well.
— Saint Teresa of Jesus of the Andes
Letter 27 to Fr. José Blanch, C.M.F., 2 April 1918
Note: At just 18 years old, Teresa of the Andes wrote these words to her spiritual director during the Easter Octave of 1918. Reflecting on the Lent she had just experienced, she spoke candidly of her desire to remain in God’s presence—and the times she forgot. She had meditated daily on Christ’s Passion, especially through John’s Gospel, and found herself able to go deeper than before. Her honesty and perseverance invite us to begin again when we falter and to let the Paschal mystery renew our prayer.
⬦ Reflection Question ⬦
When have you experienced a new grace in prayer after persevering through difficulty or dryness?
⬦ Join the conversation in the comments.
Source reference:
Griffin, M D & Teresa of the Andes, S 2021, God, The Joy of My Life: A Biography of Saint Teresa of the Andes With the Saint’s Spiritual Diary, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
Image credit:
This crucifix hangs on the landing outside St. Dominic’s cell in Santa Sabina, the Dominican convent in Rome.
Photo credit: Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. / Flickr (Some rights reserved)