Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations with St. Teresa of Avila - Don, Megan. New World Library, 2005. 242p. $20.00, Hardcover. ISBN 1577314840. 242 Teresa of Avila, Saint, 1515-1582—Meditations.

Do you long for intimacy with God? Do you struggle for balance between being “in the world, but not of the world”? Do pressures of today’s culture challenge both your faith and your faithfulness? If so, you have a kindred spirit in St. Teresa of Avila, whose writings form the basis for Megan Don’s Falling Into the Arms of God.

Born into Spanish nobility in the 16th century, Teresa was privileged with knowledge, comfort, and experience of the world. Yet her soul longed for deeper union with God, and at age 40 she committed her life totally to him. Her decision led to extensive travel, writing, reformation of the Carmelite Order, and the founding of 17 monasteries.

Comparing the soul to a castle, Teresa identified seven dwellings, each representing a facet of the soul: awakening, return, self-knowledge, interior recollection, surrender, betrothal, and sacred marriage. Into these seven themes, Megan Don has divided her 65 devotionals, each beginning with a quote from St. Teresa or from Scripture. Writings are insightful and challenging. They underscore the need, suggested in the “How to Read…” section, for ample time to read, reflect, and seriously ponder the texts.

Recommended as an individual gift or as a group text for persons who desire in-depth, intentional, and soul-searching study.

Carolyn Egolf
Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren
Fort Wayne, Indiana