Interior Castle (part 2): Image of the Soul in the First Dwelling Place

Guest, Theresa Rittenhouse, OCDS, joins host Frances Harry in a Carmelite Converstion on the first dwelling place/mansion of St. Teresa of Avila’s classic masterpiece, “The Interior Castle.” We cover some of her wonderful images of the soul and also images of God.  But, what is the soul?  We take time to define the soul and describe the anatomy of the soul in addition to giving a brief break down of the soul and its relationship to the theological virtues and evangelical counsels. The castle is an image of the soul.  Prayer is the door to enter the castle.  What is prayer like for a person in the first dwelling place?  What might it consist of?  How may it be improved?  St. Teresa wants us to understand not only the beauty and dignity of the soul made in the image and likeness of God, but to also comprehend the ugliness of a soul in mortal sin.  The devil uses lots of tactics to distract, divide and preoccupy the soul so that it doesn’t progress.  What can be done? What battle plans should we have? 

Resources:

“The Interior Castle:  Study Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila, Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D.; ICS Publications.

“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc. (www.mycatholic.life)

“The Interior Liturgy of the Our Father” by R. Thomas Richard, 3rd Edition; Fidelis Presentations