I am not moved, my God - Saint Teresa of Avila

 

 I am not moved, my God, to love Thee 

by the Heaven Thou hast promised me; 

nor am I moved by fear of Hell 

to cease for that reason to offend Thee. 

Thou art what moves me, Lord; 

it moves me to see Thee 

nailed to a cross and scorned; 

it moves me to see Thy body so wounded; 

I am moved by the insults and death 

that Thou undergoest. 

I am moved, in sum, by love for Thee, 

and so greatly, that, 

even if there were no Heaven, 

I would love Thee, 

and even if there were no Hell, 

I would still fear Thee. 

Thou dost not have to give me 

anything to make me love Thee, 

for even if I did not hope 

for what I do hope for, 

I would love Thee just the same.