Chapter 26 Summary and Analysis

The third chapter on the Seventh Dwelling begins with Teresa's return to the analogy of the butterfly to explain she has now died of happiness. Finally finding a place to rest, the butterfly demonstrates that the soul can now finally experience forgetfulness of self, the only thing in the past able to steal her joy. She no longer pines for or even thinks about the afterlife or her own striving, but exists in peaceful, contented service of God as if she is already living in heaven. About the business of her King, she even desires to bear burdens for Him. Joy comes to her from being persecuted for her King, and a particular love for her tormenters even springs up in her, desiring particularly to show His love to them.

Even in the moments she remembers she will one day be...