Chapter 26
The Purpose of Divine Favor
THE CONCLUSION SETS FORTH WHAT APPEARS TO BE OUR LORD'S PRINCIPAL INTENTION IN CONFERRING THESE SUBLIME FAVOURS ON SOULS, AND EXPLAINS HOW NECESSARY IT IS FOR MARY AND MARTHA TO GO TOGETHER. THIS CHAPTER IS VERY PROFITABLE. 1. Vicissitudes of the Seventh Mansion. 2. Humility produced by them. 3. Such souls free from mortal and from wilful venial sins. 4. The fate of Solomon. 5. Holy fear. 6. These favours strengthen souls to suffer. 7. Crosses borne by the saints. 8. Effect of vision of our Lord on St. Peter. 9. Fruits of these favours. 10. Why the spiritual marriage…
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Key Quotes & Analysis
"venomous creatures from the moat round the castle and the other mansions at once unite to revenge themselves for the time when they were deprived of their power"
Context: Trials after sublime favours
Brief disturbances remind the soul of weakness.
In Today's Words:
Teresa says venomous creatures from the moat round the castle unite to revenge themselves when favours fade. Gifts do not erase weakness. Expect brief trials and let them deepen humility. Carry that insight into one concrete choice before the day ends. Apply it in one ordinary duty today.
"Blessed is the man who feareth the Lord,' as David said. [438] May His Majesty ever protect us. Let us beg Him never to permit us to offend Him: therein lies our greatest safety. May He be for ever praised. Amen. 6. It would be well to tell you, sisters, the reason why God bestows such favours on souls in this world, although you must have learned this by the effects produced if you have considered the matter. I return to the matter in order that none of you may think it is only for the sake of the pleasure such persons feel, which would be a great mistake on your part, for His Majesty can bestow no greater favour on us than to give us a life such as was led by His beloved Son. Therefore, as I have often told you, I feel certain that these graces are sent to strengthen our weakness so that we may imitate Him by suffering much. 7. We always find that those nearest to Christ our Lord"
Context: Warning after Solomon
Reverence guards gifted souls from ruin.
In Today's Words:
Teresa quotes blessed is the man who feareth the Lord after recalling Solomon's fall. Favours need holy fear, not swagger. Ask whether your gifts increase reverence or self-importance. Carry that insight into one concrete choice before the day ends. Apply it in one ordinary duty today.
"both Martha and Mary must entertain our Lord and keep Him as their Guest, nor must they be so inhospitable as to offer Him no food. How can Mary do this while she sits at His feet, if her sister does not help her? [449] 18. His food is that in every possible way we should draw souls to Him so that they may be saved and may praise Him for ever. You may offer two objections--first, that I said that Mary had chosen the better part, [450] for she had already done Martha's work by waiting on our Lord"
Context: Works and contemplation united
Service and prayer feed the same guest.
In Today's Words:
Teresa insists both Martha and Mary must entertain our Lord together. Prayer without service starves charity; service without prayer starves the soul. Keep both at Christ's table today. Carry that insight into one concrete choice before the day ends. Apply it in one ordinary duty today.
"our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done. When we do all we can, His Majesty will enable us to do more every day. If we do not grow weary, but during the brief time this life lasts (and perhaps it will be shorter than any of you think) we give our Lord every sacrifice we can, both interior and exterior, His Majesty will unite them with that He offered to His Father for us on the Cross so that they may be worth the value given them by our love"
Context: Measuring deeds by heart
Love weighs more than visible greatness.
In Today's Words:
Teresa says our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which we do them. Small duties done with love feed Him. Offer one humble task with full heart. Carry that insight into one concrete choice before the day ends.
Thematic Threads
Purpose
In This Chapter
Teresa argues that spiritual experiences exist to make people useful servants, not elevated mystics
Development
Culminates the entire journey - all previous mansions lead to this service orientation
In Your Life:
You might recognize that your skills and knowledge carry responsibility to help others develop theirs.
Class
In This Chapter
She rejects spiritual aristocracy - even highest mystics remain dependent on grace and called to humble service
Development
Final dismantling of spiritual hierarchy established throughout the work
In Your Life:
You might notice when success makes you feel superior rather than more responsible to your community.
Identity
In This Chapter
True spiritual identity means becoming a 'slave to God's will and servant to others,' not achieving special status
Development
Completes the identity transformation from self-focused to other-focused
In Your Life:
You might find your sense of self shifting from what you've achieved to how you can contribute.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Even cloistered nuns affect others through example, prayers, and community influence - no one serves alone
Development
Expands earlier themes of spiritual friendship into broader community impact
In Your Life:
You might realize your actions influence others more than you think, even in seemingly isolated roles.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Growth's ultimate test is not mystical experiences but practical love and service in daily life
Development
Provides final measure for all previous spiritual development
In Your Life:
You might evaluate your own growth by asking whether it makes you more helpful to others, not just happier yourself.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
Why does Teresa say both Martha and Mary must entertain our Lord?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Contemplation and active charity belong together; either alone fails to feed Christ's desire for souls.
- 2
What does Teresa mean by Christ's food in this chapter?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
His food is drawing souls to Him through prayer, example, and counsel in every possible way.
- 3
How does holy fear relate to sublime favours?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Gifts without reverence can ruin a soul, as Solomon's wealth did; fear of the Lord guards against pride.
- 4
When have you seen busyness or prayer used to avoid the other?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Describe the situation, which side you hid behind, and one small step to reunite Martha and Mary.
- 5
How does love change the value of small works?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Teresa says God cares less for importance than for love; a humble act offered with love outweighs a great deed without it.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Service Potential
List three areas where you have more knowledge, experience, or stability than others around you. For each area, identify one specific way you could use that advantage to help someone else succeed rather than just advancing yourself. Consider both formal opportunities (mentoring, teaching) and informal ones (sharing resources, making introductions, offering encouragement).
Consider:
- •Start small - even sharing what you've learned from mistakes can help others avoid pitfalls
- •Look for people one step behind you in your journey rather than trying to help everyone
- •Remember that teaching others often strengthens your own understanding and skills
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone used their position or knowledge to genuinely help you grow. What did that feel like, and how did it change your perspective on success?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 27: The Purpose of Divine Favors
Teresa's epilogue turns from doctrine to gift: she is glad the book is finished and invites enclosed sisters to walk freely in the interior castle whenever duty allows.
