One of my favorite themes in the study of St. Teresa Benedicta is her devotion and determination to find truth. According to Carmelite Sister Josephine Koeppel, “Any time in her life that she saw a truth that she hadn’t realized before, her life changed.” (cited here, para 52)
Young Edith Stein worried about finding truth. When she had a difficult time seeing the truth in her faith, she abandoned it. Then, while studying philosophy, she read from great Christian thinkers, as well. It was the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, that profoundly changed her life. As we mentioned on Sunday, she responded simply, “This is truth.” (cited here, para 11) And it was that truth that drew her to conversion.
Sometimes I wonder if those of us who were born into Christianity can really appreciate our faith as much as those who found Christ later in their lives. I am almost jealous of Edith and the fact that she experienced that wonderful moment of clarity. Imagine finding the ultimate truth that completely changes your life.
Although, even lifetime Christians sometimes find moments of clarity. I have had several of those moments throughout this journey of discovery. I hope the lives of the saints we have met so far are bringing “aha” moments to all of you, too.
Going forward, let’s look for opportunities to find deeper truth. But where can we look for these insights? Well, we could start where the Church starts, with Sacred Scripture. From there, we can explore the writings of the great theologians.
But really, I think I’ve found some of my biggest moments of clarity just by being present in the everyday happenings of life. I started reading the works of contemporary Christian thinkers, and now I have a few Catholic bloggers that I follow on social media.
To make real sense of everything, I think my prayer journal has become invaluable. In my studies as an educator I learned that “writing is thinking on paper.” (see any of the works of William Zinnser, but I read his book, Writing to Learn.) So what better way to enhance your prayer life.
However you choose to do it, let’s all keep searching for truth. Let’s spend time praying regularly for enlightenment. If nothing else, let’s remember how Edith Stein became Sister Teresa Benedicta, and try to appreciate the gift that Christianity has been in our lives.
Dear Lord, guide us to Your truth. Help us learn to appreciate the gifts You have already shared with all of us, and keep us on the path that You have chosen for us.