Blaspheming against the Holy Spirit is an extreme version of our constant thwarting or quenching the Holy Spirit—something Saint Paul warned against. And whereas blaspheming against the Holy Spirit almost has to be conscious, our quenching or thwarting the Holy Spirit is often unconscious. Our struggle towards that seemingly elusive goal of continuous prayer, is likewise a struggle against this unconscious quenching of the Spirit. For, the essence of continuous prayer is that alertness and sensitivity to the presence and inspiration of the Holy Spirit offered at every moment. What Saint Teresa experienced as her second conversion was, precisely, this awakening to the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in her life. Through this awakening, her heart (in the words from Ephesians) was enlightened as she came to know what is the hope that belongs to Christ’s call. Relying on Saint Teresa’s intercession may we be granted the same awakening to the Spirit, as we renew our efforts towards living Spirit-directed lives. For then God’s Love will be poured into our hearts and (in the words of our psalm—and like Saint Teresa) we will be crowned with glory and honor—the glory and honor that is our redeemed and perfected humanity.