Contemplative Haven: Second Mansions 
Second Mansions
Those in the Second Mansions have begun to practise prayer, but are not yet striving to avoid occasions of sin. They "hear" the call of the Lord, but are unable to "speak"; that is, they are not yet able to respond by "doing" what they know they should.
How do they "hear"? St. Teresa tells us it is through "...conversations of good people, or from sermons, or through the reading of good books...Or they can come through sickness and trials, or by means of truths which God teaches us at times when we are engaged in prayer; however feeble such prayers may be, God values them highly."
The Lord is extremely merciful to those in the Second Mansions. The person may fall into sin again and again, but He keeps calling. The person suffers and feels grief at the repeated sin, but God is patient, and prepared to wait when He sees perseverence.
St. Teresa tells us that Satan will attack those in the Second Mansions fiercely, trying to draw them back into the things of the world which they are trying to relinquish. She explains that the devils are vanquished by five things: reason, faith, memory, the will and the understanding, and explains how each of these lead the soul along the right path.
St. Teresa notes the importance of associating now with others who are headed in the right direction; not only with those at the same spiritual stage, but with those who have progressed, for they will be teachers, and take people with them into the higher Mansions. She advises people to let Satan know that they are resolute, and then he will stop his attempts at enticing them into returning to their old ways.
One must not allow oneself to think of spiritual "favours", for that would not be building the spiritual life on a rock-solid foundation. St. Teresa reveals that the "favours" will come in the higher Mansions, where the soul "desires only what is the will of God."
She advises that when in prayer, in periods of recollection, not to make strenuous efforts to overcome disturbances sent by Satan. If one is gentle with oneself at these times, the periods of prayerful recollection will increase in duration, with fewer troublesome thoughts. Nor should one criticize oneself for having to pursue normal activities and responsibilities: "...the Lord will turn everything we do to our profit."
Lastly, St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of looking at our Lord Jesus Christ, thinking of the death that He suffered for us: "And what but such thoughts can arouse us to love this Lord?"
How do they "hear"? St. Teresa tells us it is through "...conversations of good people, or from sermons, or through the reading of good books...Or they can come through sickness and trials, or by means of truths which God teaches us at times when we are engaged in prayer; however feeble such prayers may be, God values them highly."
The Lord is extremely merciful to those in the Second Mansions. The person may fall into sin again and again, but He keeps calling. The person suffers and feels grief at the repeated sin, but God is patient, and prepared to wait when He sees perseverence.
St. Teresa tells us that Satan will attack those in the Second Mansions fiercely, trying to draw them back into the things of the world which they are trying to relinquish. She explains that the devils are vanquished by five things: reason, faith, memory, the will and the understanding, and explains how each of these lead the soul along the right path.
St. Teresa notes the importance of associating now with others who are headed in the right direction; not only with those at the same spiritual stage, but with those who have progressed, for they will be teachers, and take people with them into the higher Mansions. She advises people to let Satan know that they are resolute, and then he will stop his attempts at enticing them into returning to their old ways.
One must not allow oneself to think of spiritual "favours", for that would not be building the spiritual life on a rock-solid foundation. St. Teresa reveals that the "favours" will come in the higher Mansions, where the soul "desires only what is the will of God."
She advises that when in prayer, in periods of recollection, not to make strenuous efforts to overcome disturbances sent by Satan. If one is gentle with oneself at these times, the periods of prayerful recollection will increase in duration, with fewer troublesome thoughts. Nor should one criticize oneself for having to pursue normal activities and responsibilities: "...the Lord will turn everything we do to our profit."
Lastly, St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of looking at our Lord Jesus Christ, thinking of the death that He suffered for us: "And what but such thoughts can arouse us to love this Lord?"
posted by Gabrielle at 1:17 AM
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