First Reading for the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Romans 8:22-27

Summary: Creation and believers suffer as they wait for redemption. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us in ways beyond words, according to God’s will.

Hope and the Spirit’s Help

Brothers and sisters:

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.

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