Progress on the spiritual journey - Second Mansion - Saint Teresa's Interior Castle

 

Saint Teresa of Avila speaks of the spiritual journey of the soul in terms of mansions within and Interior Castle. There are seven mansions in total and according to many holy people, most Christians never progress beyond the second or third mansions. The excerpt below, deals with the second mansion and is taken from the book "Fire Within" by Thomas Dubay SM

The man or woman in the second mansions is a battleground where the conflict between the world and the divine call is being waged. There is a tug of war going on, and the individual experiences the tow opposing pulls. The world's tug is experienced in several ways: earthly pleasures remain attractive, and they appear as though almost eternal. The soul finds it hard to give up esteem in the world and a selfish clinging to family and friends - (possessiveness). It unreasonably fears penances to which it now feels called, and it vacillates, says Teresa, as to whether to return to the first mansions or to strive bravely on. In the opposite direction God's tug is likewise felt in diverse manners: reason itself shows the person how mistaken the world's message is and why it is mistaken. Significant growth has now taken place and has instilled a conviction that only in God is one's surety. Thus the will is inclined to love Him and ti press on to leave worldliness with all it's falsehoods.

God's appeals to them come in several ways: conversations with good people...sermons and homilies... good reading...sickness and other trials...divine light during prayer itself.

Teresa is speaking of men and women who want to avoid offending God and who "may perform good works". Yet they are, at this early stage, still absorbed in worldly matters and pleasures, and they are "puffed up with worldly honours and ambitions". Because they are free from serious sin, the King does dwell in their castle, but they have only a tenuous relationship with Him, and they scarcely see His light, so submerged are they in the tings of this world.

What, then, is the beginner to do? Most people cannot leave the world in a bodily sense, but every follower of Christ who is serious about genuine growth must leave the spirit of the world. Everyone says Teresa, who wishes to go on to the second mansions, " will be well advises, as far as his state of life permits, to try to put aside all unnecessary affairs and business. For those who hope to reach the principle Mansion, this is so important that unless they begin in this way I do not believe they will ever be able to get there."

The New Testament has already admonished us that we must not love this passing world or anything that is in it, for the love of The Father cannot exist in the person who love the world, the sensual body, the lustful eye, pride in possessions. God's Grace has taught us " that what we have to do is give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions". The main business of the beginner, therefore, is to make a determined turnabout from preoccupation with this worldly life to a life centred on The Trinity. The struggle will be long and at times arduous, but there is no other way to accomplish the ascent of the mountain and reach the rewarding outcome that awaits one at the summit."

The soul (in these early mansions) should avoid a close association with "evil" and mediocre people and make it a point to mix with the good, that is, not only with those in the early mansions but also with those who have advanced into the mansions "nearer the centre", where the King is. To be in close touch with these latter is a great help, for they tend to bring others to higher things along with themselves. Second, there is need to "embrace the cross" along with the suffering Lord. Resignation is not enough; there must ne a generous, willed welcome to hardships and dryness in prayer. Third, there is the typical teresian insistence on daily fidelity to the divine will: " All that the beginner in prayer has to do.... is to labour and be resolute and prepare himself with all possible diligence to bring his will into conformity with God." The more one does this, the more " he will receive of the Lord". In the divine will "his entire welfare is to be found."

"If you would progress a long way on this road and ascend to the Mansions of your desire, the important thing is not to think much, but to love much."