Saint Teresa of Ávila, Virgin, Doctor Thursday of week 28 in Ordinary Time Gospel: Luke 11:47-54
In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses a serious accusation to the lawyers: “You have taken away the key of knowledge. You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in.” They possessed knowledge of the Scriptures and the Law, yet failed to recognize the One to whom the Scriptures pointed. Their knowledge had become an obstacle rather than a doorway to God. This helps us understand the extraordinary spiritual wisdom of Saint Teresa of Ávila. Teresa possessed the true key of knowledge: an intimate and loving relationship with Jesus Christ. She understood that knowing God is not simply knowing things about Him, but entering into a living relationship with Him. Her profound theological insights were born not merely from intellectual study, but from prayer, contemplation, personal experience, and a heart completely open to Christ. For Teresa, prayer was a loving conversation with the One who loves us. This intimacy did not separate her from the world; rather, it gave her the wisdom, courage, and freedom to reform Carmel, guide souls, confront difficulties, and serve the Church. The message of Christ reminds us that the deepest knowledge of God comes through communion with Him, and authentic communion with Him gradually transforms the way we understand everything else. We may possess extensive religious knowledge, fulfil important ecclesial responsibilities, or speak eloquently about God, yet still risk remaining outside the door if our hearts are not personally united with Jesus. Saint Teresa teaches us that the key is not reserved for a few extraordinary mystics. It is offered to every disciple willing to make space for prayer, friendship, silence, and love. The more intimately we know Jesus, the more clearly we understand His truth; and the more deeply we love Him, the more capable we become of opening the door for others to encounter Him. Let’s reflect: Is my knowledge of God primarily intellectual and external, or am I cultivating, like Saint Teresa of Ávila, an intimate friendship with Jesus that transforms my life and helps others discover the way to Him?
Don Giorgio