Contemplative Haven: First Mansions 
First Mansions
If we are to discover the beauty of all the rooms in the castle, which is the soul, our self, our true being ("For we ourselves are the castle"), we must take that first step of entering it. St. Teresa tells us that we must not remain in the "outer court", fixated on the things of this world, ignoring the fact that we do indeed have a soul.
Once we, by the grace of God, become aware of the importance of attending to our souls and our spiritual lives, St. Teresa explains that "...the door of entry into this castle is prayer and meditation. I do not say mental prayer rather than vocal, for, if it is prayer at all, it must be accompanied by meditation."
By turning within through prayer and meditation, one enters "the first rooms on the lowest floor." These souls St. Teresa describes as, "very much absorbed in worldly affairs; but their desires are good." They turn to the Lord from time to time in prayer, although infrequently. They think about their spiritual lives, but are still more concerned with worldly preoccupations, not in the necessary sense of fulfilling the duties required by their state of life, but as to where they place their priorities. Yet, they have made a very good start: "...they have done a good deal by entering at all."
The first rooms on the lowest floor appear dark to one who has just entered; the beauty and peace of the castle cannot yet be experienced, because of all the "reptiles" that enter as well. St. Teresa speaks of wild beasts and animals, snakes, vipers and poisonous creatures. She uses this imagery to portray impediments to our spiritual sight, such as excessive interest in possessions, honours or business.
St. Teresa goes on to explain the effects of mortal sin on the soul, the need for self-knowledge, which she equates with humility, and the necessity of constantly turning to the Lord, the Blessed Virgin and the saints for strength, since the faculties and the senses are still weak.
It is in the First Mansions that the soul must make a determined effort to be in the world but not of it: "Everyone...who wishes to enter the second Mansions, will be well advised, as far as his state of life permits, to try to put aside all unnecessary affairs and business."
Once we, by the grace of God, become aware of the importance of attending to our souls and our spiritual lives, St. Teresa explains that "...the door of entry into this castle is prayer and meditation. I do not say mental prayer rather than vocal, for, if it is prayer at all, it must be accompanied by meditation."
By turning within through prayer and meditation, one enters "the first rooms on the lowest floor." These souls St. Teresa describes as, "very much absorbed in worldly affairs; but their desires are good." They turn to the Lord from time to time in prayer, although infrequently. They think about their spiritual lives, but are still more concerned with worldly preoccupations, not in the necessary sense of fulfilling the duties required by their state of life, but as to where they place their priorities. Yet, they have made a very good start: "...they have done a good deal by entering at all."
The first rooms on the lowest floor appear dark to one who has just entered; the beauty and peace of the castle cannot yet be experienced, because of all the "reptiles" that enter as well. St. Teresa speaks of wild beasts and animals, snakes, vipers and poisonous creatures. She uses this imagery to portray impediments to our spiritual sight, such as excessive interest in possessions, honours or business.
St. Teresa goes on to explain the effects of mortal sin on the soul, the need for self-knowledge, which she equates with humility, and the necessity of constantly turning to the Lord, the Blessed Virgin and the saints for strength, since the faculties and the senses are still weak.
It is in the First Mansions that the soul must make a determined effort to be in the world but not of it: "Everyone...who wishes to enter the second Mansions, will be well advised, as far as his state of life permits, to try to put aside all unnecessary affairs and business."
posted by Gabrielle at 10:00 PM
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