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Get to know the first female Doctor of the Church, Saint Teresa of Avila.  Learn more about the life, thought, and spirituality of this pivotal 16th century reformer of the Carmelite order.Saint Teresa of Avila - Podcast NotesSegment 1: Introduction and 5 Fast Facts (0:00 - 5:20)-Listen to the 5 Fast Facts: (2:47 - 5:20)Segment 2: The Heart of the Matter (6:20 - 31:40)-Learn the Historical Context: (6:40 - 8:43)-Listen to Fast Fact #1 in depth: (8:44 - 10:45)-Listen to Fast Fact #2 in depth: (10:46 - 14:02)-Listen to Fast Fact #3 in depth: (14:03 - 24:45)-Listen to Fast Fact #4 in depth: (24:46 - 26:21)-Listen to Fast Fact #5 in depth: (26:22 - 30:37)Segment 3: The Takeaway (33:00 - 41:20)Primary Source References:The AutobiographyThe Way of PerfectionThe Interior CastleSecondary Source References:Accidental Theologians by Elizabeth Dreyer

Baptism of JesusAnd when Jesus was baptized, … the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him, and lo, a voice from heaven, saying "this is My beloved Son," with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17) Fruit of the Mystery:Openness to the Holy Spirit  Wedding at CanaHis mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." ... Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim.(John 2:5-7) Fruit of the Mystery:To Jesus through Mary Proclaiming the Kingdom"And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay." (Matthew 10:7-8) Fruit of the Mystery:Repentance and Trust in God TransfigurationAnd as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered and His raiment become dazzling white. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, "This is My Son, My chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:29, 35) Fruit of the Mystery:Desire for Holiness Institution of the EucharistAnd He took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you." ... And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood." (Luke 22:19-20) Fruit of the Mystery:Adoration 

Sorrowful Mysteries Scriptural Reflections:The Agony in the GardenIn His anguish He prayed with all the greater intensity, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Then He rose from prayer and came to His disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted with grief. (Luke 22:44-45) Fruit of the Mystery:Sorrow for Sin The Scourging at the PillarPilate's next move was to take Jesus and have Him scourged. (John 19:1) Fruit of the Mystery:Purity Crowning with ThornsThey stripped off His clothes and wrapped Him in a scarlet military cloak. Weaving a crown out of thorns they fixed it on His head, and stuck a reed in His right hand ... (Matthew 27:28-29) Fruit of the Mystery:Courage Carrying of the Cross... carrying the cross by Himself, He went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). (John 19:17) Fruit of the Mystery:Patience The CrucifixionJesus uttered a loud cry and said, "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." After He said this, He died. (Luke 23:46) Fruit of the Mystery:Perseverance

Joyful Mysteries Scripture Reflections: The AnnunciationAnd when the angel had come to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women."(Luke 1:28)Fruit of the Mystery:Humility The VisitationElizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: "Blest are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb."(Luke 1:41-42)Fruit of the Mystery:Love of Neighbor The Birth of JesusShe gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the place where travelers lodged.(Luke 2:7)Fruit of the Mystery:Poverty The PresentationWhen the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord, for it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every first-born male shall be consecrated to the Lord."(Luke 2:22-23)Fruit of the Mystery:Obedience Finding the Child Jesus in the TempleOn the third day they came upon Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.(Luke 2:46)Fruit of the Mystery:Joy in Finding Jesus

Glorious Mysteries Scripture Reflections: The ResurrectionYou need not be amazed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified. He has been raised up; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6)Fruit of the Mystery:Faith The AscensionThen, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into Heaven and took His seat at God's right hand. (Mark 16:19)Fruit of the Mystery:Hope Descent of the Holy SpiritAll were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them. (Acts 2:4)Fruit of the Mystery:Love of God The AssumptionYou are the glory of Jerusalem … you are the splendid boast of our people … God is pleased with what you have wrought. May you be blessed by the Lord Almighty forever and ever. (Judith 15:9-10)Fruit of the Mystery:Grace of a Happy DeathThe CoronationA great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelation 12:1)Fruit of the Mystery:Trust in Mary's Intercession