This morning, I was reading from Visions and Viewpoints, a weekly newsletter from Benetvision - Monasteries of the Heart in which Joan Chittister, OSB writes about St. Teresa of Avila. While reading, something that one of my sisters said relating to faith, prayer and belief came to mind. It is in that lite that I share this quote from St. Teresa:
“What is the purpose of prayer, my sisters? The purpose of prayer is always good works, good works, good works.”
I would add that a spiritual life, a life which outwardly appears pious and holy but without good works is not a life of faith or a life of charity. A life without good works is not a truly Christian life at all.
I use and refer to The Summary of The Law often and do here as well.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Being called to “love your neighbor” is exactly works of Christian charity or “good works”. The gift of our time to do for another without thought of gain for ourselves. This is what I believe we as Christians are called to.
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