This is what I want us to strive for, my Sisters; and let us desire and be occupied in prayer not for the sake of our enjoyment but so as to have this strength to serve. Let’s refuse to take an unfamiliar path, for we shall get lost at the most opportune time. It would indeed be novel to think of having these favors from God through a path other than the one He took and the one followed by all His saints. May the thought never enter our minds. Believe me, Martha and Mary must join together in order to show hospitality to the Lord and have Him always present and not host Him badly by failing to give Him something to eat. How would Mary, always seated at His feet, provide Him with food if her sister did not help her? His food is that in every way possible we draw souls that they may be saved and praise Him always (cf. Lk 10:38–42). . . .
In sum, my Sisters, what I conclude with is that we shouldn’t build castles in the air. The Lord doesn’t look so much at the greatness of our works as at the love with which they are done. And if we do what we can, His Majesty will enable us each day to do more and more, provided that we do not quickly tire. But during the little while this life lasts—and perhaps it will last a shorter time than each one thinks—let us offer the Lord interiorly and exteriorly the sacrifice we can. His Majesty will join it with that which He offered on the cross to the Father for us. Thus even though our works are small they will have the value our love for Him would have merited had they been great.
— The Interior Castle, VII: 4, nos.12, 15
Jesus. May the Holy Spirit be with your honor, my son. I’m not fortunate enough to have the time to write you at length, but I assure you I have the desire to do so. Your letters bring me happiness in knowing about the favors the Lord grants you, which each day become greater. He is repaying you now for all the work you have done here.
You should not tire yourself with a great deal of thinking, nor should you be concerned about meditation. If you haven’t forgotten, I have often told you what you should do and how this is a greater favor from the Lord. And to be always praising him and desiring that everyone do so is the greatest effect of the soul’s being occupied with His Majesty. May it please the Lord that you, and I as well, may know how to repay something of what we owe him and may he give us much to suffer, even if it comes from fleas, goblins, and traveling. . . .
All the nuns send their best regards. I am better; I was going to say “well,” because when I am without the usual ailments, this means good health for me. May the Lord give you health and preserve you for us.
Your honor’s servant,
Teresa of Jesus
— To Antonio Gaytán, Alba de Tormes, a collaborator