Welcome to St. Therese Catholic Church

                            December 21, 2025, Fourth Sunday of Advent:

Grades of Prayer– 8. Prayer of Transforming Union – Definition & Effects (2)

St. Teresa, in the Seventh Mansions of The Interior Castle, describes the last grade of prayer, known as the transforming union. Many mystics also refer to it as spiritual marriage, the highest degree of perfection one can attain in this life. It is, therefore, a prelude to the beatific life of glory. St. John of the Cross distinguishes between the confirming union (betrothal) and the transforming union (marriage). In betrothal, there is consent by agreement and a unity of will between the two parties; the bridegroom gives jewels and adornments to the bride. In marriage, however, there is not only communication but, above all, a profound union between the bride and the bridegroom. Speaking of this spiritual union, St. Teresa says: “In this grade of prayer there is a total transformation of the soul into the Beloved.” The soul enters, so to speak, into its very center—the throne room of the interior castle—where the Trinity dwells through grace. There, God and the soul give themselves to one another in the consummation of divine love, insofar as this is possible in the present life. At this stage, there is no longer ecstasy, for the soul has been strengthened to receive the full power of love. Instead, through the brightness of an intellectual vision, the soul experiences the Trinity with vivid awareness. Here, all three divine Persons communicate themselves to the soul, speak to it, and explain the words attributed to the Lord in the Gospel—namely, that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will come to dwell within the soul that loves Him and keeps His commandments. St. Paul expresses this union when he says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). 

Effects of the Transforming Union: 1. The soul completely surrenders to God and lives in a state of self-forgetfulness, desiring only the glory of God. 2. The soul develops a great desire to suffer for God. 3. The soul rejoices in persecution and does not intend hatred or harm toward its persecutors. Many Christian martyrs witness to this form of prayer. 4. The soul experiences a strong desire to serve God and to help every soul it can. 5. The soul becomes detached from all created things and no longer seeks consolations, because it is united with God. 

Jesus calls everyone to this highest form of prayer when He says, “You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The Christian life is not merely about living a good moral life or believing certain doctrines; above all, it is about reaching the highest goal—the transforming union with God—which is itself a prelude to the beatific vision. The celebration of Christmas opens the gates between heaven and earth. Angels descend from heaven with a message of joy and peace for all people of goodwill. Christ, the Son of God, is born in human flesh to reconcile humanity with God. A bridge is established between heaven and earth, enabling human beings to reach heaven through the mercy of Christ. May this Christmas season deepen our desire for union with God. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Peace, and Joy!  — Fr. Jesu