HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
THEME: The power and majesty of God
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 15 2022
We celebrate today, the Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor of the Church. St. Teresa (1515- 1582) was born in Avila and died in Alba, Spain. At age seven, she ran away from home ready to give her life in death for Christ. At 18 years, she joined the Carmelite Order and chose Christ as her heavenly spouse. She was honoured by the Church as *virgo* *seraphica* – “seraphic virgin”, and with the help of St. John of the Cross reformed the Carmelite Order. Through prayer and in her writings, she gave clarity to the mysteries of inner mystical life, which earned her the title *doctrix* *mystica* – “Doctor of Mystical Theology”.
The message of the readings of today highlights the power and majesty of God which are beyond human understanding. The Holy Spirit empowers us with the gifts of wisdom which leads us into knowing and appreciating this awesome power of God in our lives.
St. Paul in the first reading (Eph 1: 15-23) expresses appreciation for the faithfulness of the Ephesians to this gift. Paul prays for them to share in the riches of the glory in the inheritance that is in Christ.
Jesus in the gospel (Luke 12: 8-12) admonishes His disciples to be ready to bear witness to Him in all circumstances. They should not be afraid or worry about their defence because the Holy Spirit will empower them with wisdom. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12: 12).
Dear friends, the Holy Spirit is the life wire of every Christian. He transforms our lives and draws us into union and communion with Christ our Saviour. To reject or ignore Him in our lives is to deny ourselves the salvific grace of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
I pray as we journey in life today, that no obstacle, no sin of any sort will stop us from opening our lives to the actions of the Holy Spirit. “May God enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers” (Eph 1: 18-19). Have a faith-full day!