Letter 31. To Doña Luisa de la Cerda, Paracuellos, Convent of the Incarnation, Avila. November 7, 1571

Comforts Doña Luisa in her trials and illness. The Saint's difficulties as Prioress of the Incarnation. She envies the peace of Doña fuana who is dead. Fruit of suffering.

JESUS! The grace of the Holy Spirit be with you!

SINCE I have been in this convent of the Incarnation, which is rather more than three weeks, I have written three letters to you, none of which seems to have reached you. So keenly do I feel your troubles that now this trial is- added to the many others I have to bear here, I feel that I need ask our Lord for no more. May He be praised for all He does! Evidently you are one of those whom He destines to reign with Him and whom He dearly loves, since He makes you 'drink of the chalice' by means of your many illnesses. I read somewhere that sufferings are rewarded by the love of God. Then who would not love what is worth so much? I entreat you to prize them; remember that earthly things are fleeting and to detach yourself from all that is not eternal.

Having heard that you were ill, I have been making enquiries about you. Thank God, you are better ! For love of Him, leave the place in which you live; there is no doubt that it disagrees with everybody. God be praised, my own health is good compared with what it usually is. I could ' This letter was first published by P. Grégoire, not endure my present trials unless I felt stronger.

I am involved in so much unavoidable business conneiled with this convent and outside affairs that I can hardly find time for this letter. May our Lord repay you for the kind one you sent me and the comfort it gave me! I assure you that I require a little comfort sometimes. Oh! After having experienced the quiet of our convents, I do not know how any one can live in such turmoil as there is here. But there is something to suffer everywhere. Still, glory be to God ! we are at peace here, which is no small boon. The nuns are giving up their interviews with seculars and their liberty, and are so good that there must be a great deal of virtue in this cortvent. 'Change of habits brings death', says the proverb, but the nuns bear it well and show me deep respeót. Still, you can imagine that it is a delicate task to set in order a community of a hundred and thirty religious. I feel some anxiety about my own houses, though, as I was compelled to come here in virtue of obedience, I trust our Lord not to allow them to suffer from my absence but to watch over them for me Himself.

I believe it is a grace from God that my soul remains undisturbed in the midst of this Babylon. Nature is wearied, but that matters little considering how I have offended Him.

I was grieved at hearing of the good Doña Juana's death. May God take her to be near Him as He certainly will do, for she kept very close to Him in this life. I do not know why we should grieve for those who go to the land of safety, withdrawn by God from the changes and chances of this world. Such sorrow is self-love — not love for those who leave us to enjoy far greater happiness.

Remember me very kindly to your lady friends. I assure you that I do not forget you; there was no need to recall yourself to my memory — indeed, I try, by distraóting my thoughts from you at times, to gloss over my imperfection in feeling such pain at what pains you.

May our Lord grant you eternal happiness and rest, for as to the joys of this world, you gave them a bill of acquittance long ago, although you may consider yourself ill repaid by the sufferings sent you in return. But the day will come when you will know their worth and when you would not have foregone them for anything.

It is a comfort to think that my good Father Edward is near to help you in your trials now that I cannot do so.

As the messenger is waiting I can write no more. Remember me very kindly to all your friends. May our Lord have you in His keeping and cure your fever soon, giving you strength to please Him in every way, as I ask of Him !

The convent of the Incarnation, Avila, November 7. Amen.

Your unworthy servant and subject,

Teresa de Jesus.