Book Review: Falling Into the Arms of God

Falling Into the Arms of God:
Meditations with Teresa of Avila
by Megan Don
Novato, CA: New World Library, 2005

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a Carmelite nun best known for her reform of that order and for her mystical relationship with God. Her best known book is Interior Castle which she wrote due to the prodding of her spiritual director. In that book, she wrote of seven dwellings or mansions that indicate different stages on the spiritual journey towards God. Her writing was aimed for the sisters in her religious community although her words have much to teach the world at large.

Megan Don has taken Teresa’s words and reflected upon them in Falling into the Arms of God: Meditations With Teresa of Avila. Don has also divided her book into seven sections with several meditations for each section. The meditations themselves are brief – a couple pages at most, but they are filled with meaning and applicability to twenty-first century life. Don has a true talent for taking Teresa’s meaning and expanding upon it, making it extremely relevant for today’s reader. She discusses detours and pitfalls we may experience on the spiritual journey as well as the glories that await those who persevere.

Teresa’s words themselves are challenging. One cannot read her words and not feel humbled by the realization of how far we need to go in our spiritual lives. The road to union with God is not an easy one. It wasn’t easy for Teresa herself and Don points out the doubts and trials that Teresa experienced. Yet, Teresa was also a person of great joy who enjoyed the fun in life. She insisted that the sisters in her community spent at least an hour in recreation each day, because everyone needs a break from work. That in and of itself is an important reminder in today’s 24/7 world.

“Falling into the Arms of God” is meant to be read in small sections. It can be read front to back, one meditation at a time, or it can be picked up and a meditation read at random. Don also offers instructions in how to use it in a group setting. No matter how one uses this book, it will offer a deeper understanding of the workings of the soul. Don has created a book that this reviewer feels St. Teresa of Avila herself would approve of. She has kept the message and weight of Teresa’s words while making them accessible to a larger audience.