20261015 Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

[그리움하나]

(Eph 1:1–10; Lk 11:47–54): Called to Be Holy and Without Blemish

Dearest brothers and sisters, today we commemorate the holy life of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Born in Avila, Spain, in 1515, she slept peacefully in the arms of the Lord in 1582. Throughout her life, she devoted herself entirely to the path of perfection through Carmel, graced with mystical revelations. With indomitable courage, she entrusted herself completely to the Lord, promoting the growth and reform of her order, and enriched the Church through her sublime teachings and exemplary spiritual life.

As we look back upon her life, which deepened day by day in the Lord, I pray that we too may live mindful of the blessed grace and holy calling God has entrusted to us. May the Kingdom of God, which is pure love, be realized upon this earth where we tread. May the current spirit of the world regain its original beauty and become a place overflowing with love. Just as God desires His children to enjoy abundant joy and happiness, we must pray earnestly that our life conditions and environments may be fully restored in God, guiding us toward ultimate healing and liberation so that a free and selfless love becomes our daily way of life.

As Saint Paul reveals the meaning of God's providence in Ephesians 1:10, “as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth,” I hope that the holy hymn, “Glory to God, and peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests,” will resound deeply, fulfilling our yearning for true happiness in this world. To enable us to do so, we must never forget the God who has bestowed upon us all the power and wisdom we need.

As confessed earlier in verse 3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,” let us ask for the desire to grow in love, the wisdom to value one another through consideration and sacrifice, and the capacity to understand and proclaim the Gospel with our hearts—so that we may live as God's co-workers and companions in building a better world.

Saint Teresa of Avila confessed in her work, The Interior Castle:

“It is no small thing that God created us in His image, for this alone allows us to glimpse the wondrous beauty and holiness of the soul. We shall make far greater progress in virtue by looking upon the power of God than by fixing our eyes upon our own misery.”

In verse 4 of Ephesians, it is written: “as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” Likewise, our lives are given the goal of “perfection”—a destination we must strive toward through our own sincere response and faithful effort.

Rather than merely blending into the world, consumed by the insignificance of our existence, we must walk the path of becoming a light to even a single soul we meet where we stand. Though small in the eyes of the world, praying for the “butterfly effect” that God will bring about is truly our responsibility. This is my duty, your obligation, and a clear mission we must accomplish together.

Amid the absurdities created by a society centered on selfishness, driven by economic and utilitarian values and capital, whenever we suffer from a materialistic climate that forgets God, we must engrave in our hearts the words of the Lord in Luke 11:51: “Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible.”

For each of us, in our own place in life, is a child of God entrusted with the duty of active love—aspiring to mature toward our given calling, our spiritual response, and ultimate perfection. Amen.