St Teresa of Avila - In the Hands of God -

I saw this poem written by Teresa of Avila in Give Us This Day, the daily devotional that I use.  I really like the themes in here, and have sent this poem to several of the prisoners to whom I minister. Seeing everything we get in life – whether it be health or sickness, honor or shame, war or peace, weakness or strength – and seeing them as things we can use to glorify God and to live out as part of our journey of faith – that is something that is radical compared to how a lot of people approach life.   Teresa de Jesus - known to many as St Teresa of Avila was a Carmelite nun from Spain (1515 - 1582).  She was a mystic, reformer, poet, and spiritual guide.  She was named the first female Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970.  She lived in the era of the Church's response to the Protestant Reformation - the era of the Spanish Inquisition.  During this time, anyone who tried to step out of the box was suspect by Church authorities.  She is one of my favorites - I wear a medal of St Teresa of Avila around my neck and think of her as my mentor and guide, my patron saint.  One of the greatest thrills of my life was to visit Avila and the places where she lived and worshipped.  

IN THE HANDS OF GOD 

I am Yours and born of You,

What do You want of me?

Majestic Sovereign,

Unending wisdom,

Kindness pleasing to my soul;

God sublime, one Being Good,

Behold this one so vile.

Singing of her love to you:

What do You want of me?

Yours, you made me,

Yours, you saved me,

Yours, you endured me,

Yours, you called me,

Yours, you awaited me,

Yours, I did not stray.

What do You want of me?

Good Lord, what do you want of me,

What is this wretch to do?

What work is this,

This sinful slave, to do?

Look at me, Sweet Love,

Sweet Love, look at me,

What do You want of me?

In Your hand

I place my heart,

Body, life and soul,

Deep feelings and affections mine,

Spouse -- Redeemer sweet,

Myself offered now to you,

What do You want of me?

Give me death, give me life,

Health or sickness,

Honor or shame,

War or swelling peace,

Weakness or full strength,

Yes, to these I say,

What do You want of me?

Give me wealth or want,

Delight or distress,

Happiness or gloominess,

Heaven or hell,

Sweet life, sun unveiled,

To you I give all.

What do You want of me?

Give me, if You will, prayer;

Or let me know dryness,

And abundance of devotion,

Or if not, then barrenness.

In you alone, Sovereign Majesty,

I find my peace,

What do You want of me?

Give me then wisdom.

Or for love, ignorance,

Years of abundance,

Or hunger and famine.

Darkness or sunlight,

Move me here or there:

What do You want of me?

If You want me to rest,

I desire it for love;

If to labor,

I will die working:

Sweet Love say

Where, how and when.

What do You want of me?

Silent or speaking,

Fruitbearing or barren,

My wounds shown by the Law,

Rejoicing in the tender Gospel;

Sorrowing or exulting,

You alone live in me:

What do You want of me?

Yours I am, for You I was born:

What do You want of me?