Chapter 13 Summary and Analysis

The Sixth Dwelling is the one on which Teresa spends the most time. Opening the first of eleven chapters on the topic, she returns to the analogy of the betrothed bride and talks about how eagerly she awaits her wedding day, to the point that she aches for it. The trial accompanying this phase is that manifestations of her longing may lead those observing her walk to suppose she is putting on a show of her faith instead of genuinely experiencing longing for her God. She mentions that particular trial as a comfort to those of her sisters who might be experiencing some version of it themselves. Having seen the beauty of heaven and the object of her eternal affection, she wishes to speed the day when she will be with Him.

She points out there are so many more people...