Love once said to me ‘I know a song, would you like to hear it?’ And laughter came from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky. After a night of prayer, He changed my life when he sang ‘Enjoy me.’
Saint Teresa of Avila
Enjoy Me
Topic: Joy & Happiness
Just these two words he spoke changed my life: ‘Enjoy me!’ What a burden I thought I was to carry—a crucifix, as did he. Love once said to me ‘I know a song, would you like to hear it?’ And laughter came from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky. After a night of prayer, He changed my life when he sang ‘Enjoy me.’
Saint Teresa of Ávila, born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada (28 March 1515 – 4 October 1582), was an influential Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, and a central figure of the Counter-Reformation. Best known for her deep theological insights, she authored several important works that reflect her devotion to a life of contemplative prayer. Known for her mystical experiences, Teresa embraced the spiritual path as a Carmelite nun, where she found the essence of her vocation. Her understanding of contemplative life through mental prayer has had an enduring impact on Christian spirituality, even transcending the confines of her own religious tradition.
In addition to her spiritual contributions, Saint Teresa is remembered for her significant role in reforming the Carmelite Order of her era. Her reformative efforts were a response to a perceived laxity in her order, focusing on the renewal of commitment to solitude and poverty. Along with Saint John of the Cross, she initiated a movement that resulted in the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites, an order that emphasized austerity and the contemplative life. Notably, this significant institutional development occurred posthumously, with neither Teresa nor John alive when the Carmelite Order ultimately separated into two distinct branches.
Ladinsky, Daniel, editor. "Love Poems From God: Twelve Sacred Voices from East to West." Penguin Compass, 2002.
Saint Teresa of Avila
Theme: Joy
About St. Teresa of Avila’s Quote [Commentary]
St. Teresa of Avila’s reflection, “Love once said to me, ‘I know a song, would you like to hear it?’” reveals the deep intimacy she felt with the Divine. This exchange, culminating in the phrase “Enjoy me,” transformed her understanding of spirituality. Teresa’s words suggest that communion with God need not be defined by obligation or austerity. Instead, she highlights a spiritual journey enriched by joy, inviting believers to approach their faith with openness to divine delight.
The passage shows how this joy extends beyond Teresa’s personal experience. Her depiction of “laughter [coming] from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky” portrays a world animated by divine presence. This imagery illustrates how a joyful relationship with God can transcend inward contemplation and manifest in one’s external reality. It affirms that true spiritual joy is universal and can touch all aspects of creation, resonating from the smallest details to the vast expanse of life.
Teresa’s mention of the crucifix symbolizes the challenges she initially associated with devotion. Yet, in this revelation, the burden is lightened by the call to “Enjoy me.” She shows that spiritual dedication, though demanding, holds the potential for joy. Her message encourages others to see that while devotion may include sacrifice, it can also lead to moments when those burdens are touched by divine grace, reminding us that joy is as integral to the spiritual path as discipline.
“Love Poems From God: Twelve Sacred Voices from East to West” [From a trusted secondary source]
The book “Love Poems From God: Twelve Sacred Voices from East to West” is an anthology edited by Daniel Ladinsky. Published in 2002 by Penguin Compass in New York, it features poems centered on divine love, penned by a diverse range of mystics. The contributors include Christian figures like Catherine of Sienna, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross, as well as Sufi and Hindu mystics such as Rumi, Hafiz, and Tukaram. These poetic works—such as this one from Saint Teresa of Avila—challenge preconceptions about God, urging readers to embrace a more authentic understanding that transcends fear and prejudice.*
[* St. Teresa of Avila did speak profoundly about divine union and the intimate relationship between the soul and God. Her works, such as The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection, convey themes of joy in divine love, surrender, and mystical union. However, her language was more grounded in traditional expressions of her time, speaking of devotion, ecstasy, and the interior journey toward God rather than phrases like “Enjoy me” or references to laughter from the streets.]
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