In this House, Please God

St. Teresa makes clear to her daughters that earthly lineage means nothing in the spiritual life; that we are all children of God.

Well, daughters, doesn't it seem to you that this Master is a good one, since in order to make us grow fond of learning what He teaches us He begins by granting us so wonderful a favor? Does it seem right to you now wthat even thought we recite these first words vocally (The Our Father) we should fail to let our intellects understand and our hearts break in pieces at seeing such love? What son is there in the world who doesn't strive to learn who his father is when he knows he has such a good one with so much majesty and power? If our Father had not so much majesty, it wouldn't surprise me if we refused to be known as His children. The world has come to such a state that if the father is of a lower status than his son, the son doesn't feel honored in recognizing him as his father.

Such an attitude doesn't belong here (in the convent). In this house, please God, may there never be any thought about such a thing; it would be a hell. But the one who is from nobler lineage should be the one to speak least about her father. All the Sisters must be equal.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 27:5,6