A GPS device can come in handy sometimes, especially when best-laid routes go awry due to road closures or some other unforeseen barriers.

 

But other times, nothing beats a real map when it comes to planning a longer trip, because it can give the traveler an overview of their journey. A map can show us our location, give some information on the places and interests along the way, and help to orient us overall — north, south, east, west — almost like tapping into a deeper, somewhat migratory, ability to sense our position and what direction we need to go.

 

Maps are also great for daydreaming about a future sojourn or for remembering highlights of a past vacation. And they can help us gain an idea of what is up ahead.

 

Although a spiritual journey differs from a physical here-to-there trip, it can help to have a ‘map’ in the spiritual realm also — and even though such journeys are not as tangible and clear-cut as a road trip, such a map-like resource can give us a sense of place, a better view of our spiritual history and some idea of what’s up ahead.

 

The risks of spiritual wandering include feeling like we have arrived at a good, even holy, spot, so we stop progressing into more challenging stages of spiritual growth.

 

When something eventually boots us out of our cozy little prayer cocoon, a trustworthy guide is even more essential so that we do not lose heart or think that we have gone backwards and have to start over. All the trials of life can be used for our greater growth in faith, including when our prayers go dry.

 

The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila) is well-known as a terrific guide of the various stages of the spiritual journey. She compares a person’s soul to a castle made of crystal that has many rooms within seven larger mansions. She encourages her sisters and other readers to journey inward to the center of the castle where God resides.

 

As she writes, St. Teresa describes some of the sacrifices that must be made, some of the possible signs that one has reached this or that mansion, and what challenges will repeat or be unique to a given mansion. She also warns us about the typical mistakes people make at various points, and gives overall insights that could apply in any mansion and any life.

 

For example, we must have, she says, a “determined determination” at the beginning, and must renew that personal commitment to keep going throughout. Allowing ourselves to be distracted will slow us down and may even derail us. Progress  is not automatic, and we are always capable of sliding backwards, although people are less likely to do so as they advance.

 

Each person’s journey is unique, but there are commonalities, and in the book we learn from Teresa’s own mistakes, which she freely shares, usually speaking about herself as someone she knows. 

 

Her descriptions of mansions up ahead may sound mysterious when things get mystical, but when we have reached the third and fourth mansions and our lives are set in good or even holy patterns we need that direction. Many people get to the fourth mansions, she says, but not many progress into levels five, six or seven because they think they have arrived at a holy life and can just do what is needed to settle there in that comfortable spot.

 

But God is always calling us to draw closer to Him, to allow Him to purify this or that attachment that holds us back. Teresa’s goal is for us to become good friends of God and grow in sanctity. She insists that sainthood is possible.

 

We learn that special talents, extraordinary strength, and great wisdom are not necessary to move forward. God helps all along the way, and Teresa gives us insights to help us see His works. 

 

Guided by her “map,” readers can start from point 0, just inside the gate, go through the outer rooms. They gradually — not usually in a straight line — can keep going deeper and deeper within, closer and closer to God.

 

Several books by the saints can help us get started on a spiritual path toward holiness. A few books, like The Interior Castle, can meet us along the way and point down the path.

 

And hopefully excite us about the “more” up ahead.