St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun renowned for her "Little Way" spirituality, discusses the significance of small acts of love. She shares her struggles with fellow sisters and how these moments became opportunities for spiritual growth. The conversation navigates themes of humility, intercessory prayer, and the impact of minor gestures. Insights on embracing life's challenges reveal how even the smallest acts can lead to profound fulfillment and a deeper understanding of God’s generosity and love.
St. Thérèse emphasizes that small acts of charity are profound expressions of love and contribute to personal spiritual growth.
Her self-awareness as a 'very little soul' reflects genuine humility and acceptance of God's love amidst personal limitations.
Deep dives
The Little Way of Charity
St. Therese of Lisieux emphasizes the significance of performing small acts of charity, viewing them as expressions of great love. In her reflections, she recounts her willingness to assist Sister Saint-Pierre, a challenging task that initially filled her with reluctance. Despite the difficulties she faced, she found immense joy in this humble service, realizing that her little acts mirrored her love for Christ. This demonstrates that even minor sacrifices can hold profound spiritual meaning and contribute to one's personal growth in holiness.
Recognition of Inner Poverty
Therese candidly expresses her perception of herself as a 'very little soul,' acknowledging her limitations and dependence on God's grace. This self-awareness is not an expression of false humility but rather a genuine reflection of her spiritual journey, which recognizes both her flaws and God's profound love for her. By accepting her own poverty, she cultivates humility, understanding that her worth lies in being loved and graced by God. This perspective invites others to embrace their vulnerabilities while resting in the knowledge of God's unwavering love.
The Call to Pray for Priests
Therese reveals her deep desire to pray for priests, considering it a key aspect of her vocation and spiritual life. She recounts how she was given a seminarian to pray for, which ignited a profound sense of joy and purpose in her as she felt connected to his mission. This relationship enhanced her spiritual commitment and extended her prayer life beyond personal needs to encompass the needs of those in active ministry. Such intercessory prayer lays the foundation for a broader understanding of community within the Church and underscores the shared mission of supporting spiritual leaders.
It can be challenging to let the small things go. For St. Thérèse, it was the small things that she saw as the greatest opportunities for love. She recounts in these pages several instances where she struggled with the behavior of fellow sisters in the convent. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain how St. Thérèse’s perception of herself was not necessarily scrupulosity, but an understanding of who she was and how God loved her still.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.
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