She was a Carmelite famous for helping to restore the Carmelite Order to a stricter life of prayer, poverty, community and religious discipline. Her reform eventually gave rise to the Discalced Carmelites (“barefoot Carmelites”).
Most of us don’t live her austere lifestyle. But her life does teach us four important lessons that we can apply to our lives.
1. Humor helps with holiness
St. Teresa was known for her wit. A famous anecdote tells of her falling into a muddy ditch and complaining to God about her troubles. God responds, “This is how I treat my friends,” prompting Teresa to reply, “No wonder You have so few!”
When something bad happens, remember that God is still with you. Teresa's example reminds us that faith and even a little humor can help you face suffering without losing trust in God.
2. Simplify your life
Teresa wanted her reformed communities to embrace a stricter form of religious poverty, with fewer material comforts and a deeper dependence on God.
What about you? No, you don’t have to be literally poor. But in a materialistic world, you can simplify your life and buy less of what you don't need.
3. Cultivate a few strong relationships
Many people spend their time trying to get more followers on Instagram or TikTok. But having many online followers isn't the same thing as having deep friendships.
St. Teresa deliberately founded small, close-knit communities where the sisters could know one another well and support one another spiritually.
It’s not bad to know a lot of people, but there is great value in investing deeply in a few strong friendships.
4. Practice Contemplative Prayer
St. Teresa placed mental prayer and personal relationship with God at the center of Carmelite life.
Mental prayer can be difficult at first, but anyone can begin by setting aside a little time each day to be with God. You don't have to pray for hours. Even a brief period of quiet prayer — simply turning your attention toward God and being with Him — can be a good place to start.
St. Teresa shows us that holiness isn’t about having a perfect life, but about learning to pray, love, simplify and trust God through whatever life brings.
St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us!
