Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor

1So then, what shall we say that Abraham had achieved, who is our father according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God. 3For what does Scripture say? “Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.” 4But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt. 5Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God. 6Similarly, David also declares the blessedness of a man, to whom God brings justice without works: 7“Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered. 8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin.”

1The understanding of David himself. Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered.

2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

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5I have acknowledged my offense to you, and I have not concealed my injustice. I said, “I will confess against myself, my injustice to the Lord,” and you forgave the impiety of my sin.

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11Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you just ones, and glory, all you upright of heart.

1Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known. 3For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. 4So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do. 5But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God. 7But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.