Lenten Meditation - March 27, 2006

Let us realize that we have within us a most splendid palace built entirely of gold and precious stones – in short, one that is fit for such a Lord – and that we are partly responsible for the condition of this building, because there is no structure so beautiful as a soul full of pure virtues, and the more perfect these virtues are, the more brilliantly do the jewels shine.

Within this palace dwells the mighty King Who has deigned to become your Father and Who is seated on a throne of priceless value, by which I mean your heart.

Had I understood always, as I do now, that so great a King resided in my soul I should not have left Him alone so often, but should have stayed with Him sometimes and not have kept His dwelling-place in such disorder.

He does not force our wills, but only takes what we give Him, but He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

- St. Teresa of , Way of Perfection, 28:9,12