Our Carmelite tradition heralds Jesus as Our King and Majesty in many beautiful writings by our saints. St. Teresa depicts Our Lord dwelling in the center of our souls as a mighty King who seeks to unite us to Himself within the interior castle of our hearts. Our King of Glory tirelessly seeks to draw us ever closer to the center of our hearts in prayer where He resides and beckons us to come and sup with Him. Unlike earthly royalty, Jesus is the gentlest of kings yet his Almighty power in loving us makes it hard to resist His invitation to give Him our whole heart. Furthermore, St. Teresa knew that our Heavenly Father is also King of Creation and our majesty, and that His Son enables us to approach His throne as one "under this protection you can approach and petition Him, for then His Majesty takes delight in you." (Sililoquies #7)
St. Teresa stresses that we must not be afraid to approach Christ the King who calls us to Himself in unfailing love and mercy. We must humbly yet courageously respond to His promptings and move ever close to His throne by dying to ourselves and ridding ourselves of all that keeps us from Him. In the Book of Her Life she writes,
O King of Glory and Lord of all kings! How true that Your kingdom...has no end...There is no need for intermediaries with you! Upon beholding Your person one sees immediately that you alone...merit to be called Lord.
Oh my Lord! O my King! Who now would know how to represent your majesty! It's impossible not to see that You in Yourself are a great Emperor, for to behold Your majesty is startling; and the more one beholds along with this majesty, Lord, the more startling it becomes. Nevertheless, we can converse and speak with You as we like, once the first fright and fear in beholding Your Majesty passes; although the fear of offending You becomes greater. But the fear is not one of punishment, for this punishment is considered nothing in comparison with losing you." (Ch. 37)
Let us heed our Foundress, St. Teresa. Let us approach the Lord, Our King, with praise and thanksgiving and without hesitation. Let us serve Him as His faithful servants. Amen.
