Today’s Readings – Saint Teresa of Ávila, Virgin and Doctor

Teresa was born on 28 March, 1515, of a noble Castilian family at Ávila, in central Spain. As a child, Teresa showed piety beyond her years. On one occasion she ran away from home with a younger brother with the intention of going to Morocco and dying as martyrs. Their uncle spoiled their plan when he spotted the two children outside the city walls.

Following the custom of her social class, she was educated at home up to the death of her mother, which happened when Teresa was just 14. She then developed the usual teenage interests of romantic affairs and fashionable clothes. Her father then sent her to be educated by Augustinian Sisters in Ávila. About 18 months later, she became ill and spent her convalescence reading the letters of St Jerome. This resulted in her desire to become a … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Monday of Week 28 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Galatians 4:22-24,26-27,31—5:1

Today’s passage actually begins with a verse not in our reading:

Tell me, you who desire to be subject to the law, will you not listen to the law? (Gal 4:21)


By this Paul is invoking the witness of the Scriptures. To inherit t … Continue