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St. Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church Her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood |
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St. Therese brought to the church a very personal relationship with Jesus in which she experienced, then shared through her writings, the mercy and love of God in a special way. She expressed in a very unique and tender way the love God has for His "little ones," as He said: Let the little ones come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven. Therese knew her littleness, and she knew God loved this. The Kingdom He speaks of is one of humility, meekness, and uncomplicated and passionate love and trust. It is not one of complicated words, but one of love. It is a Kingdom of the Heart. Children love simply, and show their love through little acts of affection and kindness. Therese loved with a simplicity and a passion, and a deep trust in God's mercy. She showed her love and grew in her soul, through the little hidden acts of kindness and sufferings that she offered to Jesus. She showed us all that this holiness is available to all. One need not be able to perform distinguished acts of heroism or have degrees in theology to come to God in the "little way" of St. Therese. Everyone can offer little acts of kindness and love to God, and for the conversion of sinners. She thought of herself as a simple person, a child, unable to perform great works, and therefore, as she said, she needed a quicker easier way to reach God, like an elevator, which brings us up to the heights. She felt unable to reach to Jesus, so Jesus would have to reach down and carry her up. This is a feeling we all can share, of feeling unable to attain the perfection that we imagine great saints have. But through great love, and the simple heroicism of sacrifice and suffering, she drew Jesus close to her and attained great heights, including Doctor of the Church, by sharing her simple holiness with the rest of us. It is a holiness available to us all, and her popularity all over the world has shown that this message is being heard. | |
| back to main page | For more about St. Therese's spirituality, read her book: "St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul" or visit these web sites: |