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St. Teresa of Avila's Favorite Scripture

Fr. Tyler Mentzer invites us to enter the same thirst that filled the heart of St. Teresa of Jesus — a thirst that only Christ can satisfy. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He revealed Himself as the Bridegroom of souls, drawing her from earthly longing to the eternal spring of divine love. “Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst” (John 4:14). This is not poetic language—it is the invitation of the living God to each of us.

St. Teresa clung to this encounter all her life. She prayed again and again, “Lord, give me that water,” knowing that every earthly desire eventually runs dry. She reformed her life, purified her love, and surrendered her heart to Christ, discovering the inexhaustible joy that comes only from Him. As she taught, prayer is a “conversation between friends.” It is there—in the quiet of the heart—that the Lord pours His grace like living water, renewing and sanctifying the soul.

St. Teresa clung to this encounter all her life. She prayed again and again, “Lord, give me that water,” knowing that every earthly desire eventually runs dry. She reformed her life, purified her love, and surrendered her heart to Christ, discovering the inexhaustible joy that comes only from Him. As she taught, prayer is a “conversation between friends.” It is there—in the quiet of the heart—that the Lord pours His grace like living water, renewing and sanctifying the soul.

Let the words of the Samaritan woman—and of St. Teresa—be your own: “Lord, give me that water.” Drink deeply from His mercy, and you will find the only love that truly satisfies.

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Father Matt reminds us that God never stops speaking — but too often, we are the ones who stop listening. Not because God is unclear, but because we already have our own plans, expectations, and conclusions. At the root of this resistance is a deeper struggle: We do not want to submit to God’s authority or His will.
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120125.cfm
Fr. Andy reads from Luke 16:19-31, the Gospel reading for Sunday, September 28, 2025.