Edward Yee
Back to school, back to work. Stressful situations inevitably arise, and though we often foresee them, our hearts are still easily shaken and our minds left without peace. We turn to prayer, yet find ourselves unable to focus because unresolved problems weigh heavily upon us. Today, we look at a few of St. Teresa of Avila’s letters to shed light on how spirituality can help with de-stressing.
Worries about Opportunity Loss
Nearly five hundred years ago, St. Teresa of Ávila and her friends faced similar moments of distress. In a letter dated 26 November 1576, St. Teresa offered consolation to her cousin, Luis de Cepeda. She acknowledged how difficult it is to maintain focus in prayer and contemplation “in the midst of so many difficulties,” advising him to simply return to his “good rule of life” once the present turmoil had passed. While the exact details of Luis’s troubles are unknown, the letter hints at anxieties over property, financial affairs, and temporal gains or losses. She wrote:“Please God that all goes well with you, but do not be concerned about having more or having less; for even if a great deal is left to you, everything will soon come to an end.” (“Letter #153”) This counsel applies to both tangible wealth and intangible opportunities — whether in career, finances, relationships, or our children’s education. St. Teresa highlights a fundamental Christian truth: no matter how significant these temporal matters seem, they do not last. What appears beneficial today may lose its value tomorrow as circumstances change. More importantly, if God permits a loss, He does so with a greater long-term plan in mind. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautions against storing up “treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal” (Matt. 6:19). Instead, He calls us to invest in heavenly treasures — in truth, goodness, and love — where our hearts can find true, eternal peace: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matt. 6:21). St. Teresa constantly reminds Luis (and us) to maintain a grateful heart, recognizing that our well-being is not a result of mere luck or our own effort, but of God’s abiding grace.
Emotional Disturbance
In another letter dated 2 November, 1576, St. Teresa consoled Mother María Bautista, prioress of the convent in Valladolid, who was suffering from both physical illness and interior trial (then referred to as “bad humour”). Knowing her plight, St. Teresa wrote: “The greater the disturbance, the less attention you should pay to it… and since the devil sees this, he adds his bit. But have no fear, for St. Paul says that God will not permit us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. And even though it may seem that you give consent, it is not so; rather, you will benefit from all of this. Continue with your cure, for the love of God, and try to eat well, and do not remain alone thinking about nothing. Seek some diversion inasmuch as you can and however possible.” (“Letter #143.8”) Psychological unrest and melancholy stem from our wounded human nature, making us more vulnerable to the enemy’s subtle temptations. Yet, ever since the Old Testament, God consistently transforms adversity into good, culminating in the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ for our salvation. The flight of Jacob (Gen. 31), the betrayal of Joseph by his eleven brothers (Gen. 39-42), the Exodus, the water from the rock at Maribah (Exod. 17), the adultery of David (2 Sam. 11-12), the Babylonian exile (Ezra 1), and many others, are examples throughout the salvation history.
Cooperate with God’s Grace
Citing St. Paul (1 Cor 10:13), St. Teresa reminds us that God always provides a way out, but we must cooperate with His grace. When facing interior turmoil, our active response should be to pay little attention to intrusive thoughts, seek good company, divert our attention, and care for our physical health. We undertake these actions out of love for God, trusting in His power to bring good out of our trials.
St. Teresa urges: “Continue your cure, for the love of God.” Seeking medical treatment for physical or mental illness is itself an act of love toward God. Divine love is not merely an inner feeling, but also channels through His creation — through doctors, medicine, treatments, healthcare workers, family, and friends. By accepting proper medical care, we actively respond to God’s love and participate in His divine providence.
Persevering through Suffering Brings Love
A third example comes from her letter around Lent in 1569 to Maria de Mendoza, her friend living a holy life in Valladolid, who was going through “a great trial,” although St. Teresa was only informed about this without any details: “They do nothing else but call you a saint and continually speak your praises to me. May the Lord be praised for your giving them such an example. In what way do you think it is given? In suffering so many trials. In this way the Lord, by means of the fire of love that he sets in your soul, begins to kindle it in others. So, be brave. Look at what the Lord suffered this time of year. Life is short, a mere moment of trial remains for us.” (“Letter #19”)The saint encouraged Maria by reminding her that her good deeds and holy life, which everyone spoke about, had their source. This source is exactly her perseverance through her suffering. Her example of perseverance through her trials has set her fellow townspeople on fire for their love of God. Suffering has its significance, even though we are often not aware of it, just as Christ suffered to bring many to salvation. Love through suffering is contagious and can have a positive impact on neighbours. St. Teresa encourages us to take the courage to reconnect our suffering with Christ’s suffering on the cross. Christ always accompanies us in our suffering (cf. Matt. 28:20), helping us to sustain ourselves, though at times we forget His presence.
Reflection: What has been the disturbance at my heart? Has St. Teresa’s advice to her friends somehow rung a bell inside me? Is the devil using my past to cast down my soul, my present to distract it, and my future to bring fear?