Observations placeholder
Saint Teresa of Avila - The after effects of union 1
Identifier
012811
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself
The benefit of this remains for some time in the soul. Now that it clearly understands that the fruit are not its own, it can begin to share them with others, without lacking any itself, It begins to show signs that it is a soul which guards heavenly treasures, and that it desires to distribute them freely.
It prays to God that it may not be rich alone, and begins to benefit its neighbours, almost unconsciously and without any deliberate purpose. They understand how things are, because the flowers now smell so sweet that they are eager to come near them. They realize that the soul has virtue in it and, seeing how delicious the fruit are, long to share in the feast.
If the ground is well dug over by trials, persecutions, detractions, and infirmities - few can reach this point without them - and if it is well broken up by extreme detachment from self-interest, it will soak up so much water that it will hardly ever be parched again. But if it is ground that is still uncleared and choked with thorns, as I was at first; if it is still not free from occasions for sin, and not as grateful as it should be after such great mercies, then the earth will dry up again.