Catholic Fire

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church Poem: "En la cruz està la vida" "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34) Through the Cross both happiness and life are given, for there is no other road that leads to heaven. On the Cross there hangs "the Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17,24) and amid the stress of war peace comes to birth. All the evils of our life far off are driven; and there is no other road that leads to heaven. A "precious palm-tree" (Sg 7,9) is the Cross, so says the Bride, which her Beloved One has scaled, his arms stretched wide; and its fruit a savor sweet to God has given, for there is no other road that leads to heaven. The Cross is "like an olive-tree, fair" (Si 24,14) to the sight, whereof the holy oil provides healing and light. Wherefore, my soul, embrace the Cross, rejoice, be shriven, for there is no other road that leads to heaven. ...

"We are children of God, bearers of the only flame that can light up the paths of the earth for souls, of the only brightness which can never be darkened, dimmed or overshadowed. The Lord uses us as torches, to make that light shine out. Much depends on us; if we respond many people will remain in darkness no longer, but will walk instead along paths that lead to eternal life." ~ St. Josemaria Escriva, from The Forge