Instruction

Jesus has no need of books or teachers to instruct souls, He teaches without the noise of words. Never have I heard Him speak, but... I find just when I need them certain lights which I had not seen until then, and...these are most abundant in the midst of my daily occupations.

St. Therese (Story of a Soul, page 179)

Ah! how contrary are the teachings of Jesus to the feelings of nature! Without the help of His grace it would be impossible not only to put them into practice but to even understand them.

The Rosary

When I think of how much trouble I've had all my life trying to recite the rosary!

Sometimes when my mind is in such great dryness that it is impossible to draw forth one single thought to unite me with God, I very slowly recite an "Our Father" and then the angelic salutation (to Mary)... they nourish my soul much more than if I had recited them precipitately a hundred times.

At the time, I was having great interior trials of all kinds, even to the point of asking myself whether heaven really existed.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Jesus was sleeping as usual in my little boat; ah! I see very well how rarely souls allow him to sleep peacefully within them. Jesus is so fatigued with always having to take the initiative and attend to others. He hastens to take advantage of the repose I offer to Him.


St. Therese of Lisieux

In the evening at that moment when the sun seems to bathe itself in the immensity of the ocean waves, leaving a luminous trail behind, I went and sat down on a huge rock with Pauline. . . . I contemplated this luminous trail for a long time. It was to me the image of God's grace shedding its light across the path the little white-sailed vessel had to travel.

St. Therese of Lisieux

When we were on the way home, I would gaze upon the stars which were twinkling ever so peacefully in the skies and the sight carried me away. There was especially one cluster of golden pearls which attracted my attention and gave me great joy because they were in the form of a "T." I pointed them out to Papa and told him my name was written in heaven.

St. Therese of Lisieux

I remember one day when the beautiful blue sky became suddenly overcast and soon the thunder began to roll and lightening flashed through the dark clouds. I saw it strike a short distance away,. . . . I was thrilled with delight because God seemed so close!

St. Therese of Lisieux

I'm not breaking my head over the writing of my "little" life; it's as though I were fishing with a line. I write whatever comes to the end of my pen.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Ah! the Lord is so good to me, it is quite impossible for me to fear Him.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Our humiliation at the moment is our glory later on, even in this life.

St. Therese of Lisieux

I do not have the courage to force myself to search out beautiful prayers in books. There are so many of them it really gives me a headache!. . . . like children who do not know how to read, I say, very simply to God what I wish to say. . . For me, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love inthe midst of trial as well as joy. . .

St. Therese of Lisieux

If I had committed all possible crimes, I would always have the same confidence. I feel that this whole multitude of offenses would be like a drop of water thrown into a fiery furnace.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Jesus does not demand great actions from us, but simply surrender and gratitude.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Sacrifice

Ah! It is prayer, it is sacrifice which gives me all my strength; these are the invincible weapons which Jesus has given me. They can touch souls much better than words, as I have frequently experienced.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Sometimes I feel alone, very much alone. . . I repeated these words which always gave rise to a new peace and strength in my heart: "Life is your barque and not your home!" . . . . Doesn't the Book of Wisdom say: "Life is like a ship that plows the restless waves and leaves after it no trace of its rapid passage?" When I think these things, my soul is plunged into infinity, and it seems to me it already touches the eternal shore.

St. Therese of Lisieux

. . . for me to translate my thoughts, I have to be like the solitary sparrow, and this is rarely my lot. When I begin to take up my pen, behold a Sister passes by, a pitchfork on her shoulder. She believes she will distract me with a little idle chatter, then another hay worker throws flowers on my lap, perhaps believing this will inspire me with poetic thoughts. I . . . would prefer to see the flowers remain swaying on their stems. Finally, fatigued by opening and shutting this famous copybook, I .. . copy out some thoughts from the psalms. . .

St. Therese of Lisieux

"Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."

Romans 12: 12

Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774 - 1821)

"Live simply, so that all may simply live."
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

I wondered for a long time why God has preferences, why all souls do not receive an equal amount of graces. I was puzzled at seeing how our Lord was pleased to caress certain ones from the cradle to the the grave. . . I wondered why poor savages died in great numbers without even having heard the name of God pronounced. Jesus deigned to teach me this mystery by setting before me the book of nature; . . . He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but He also created smaller ones and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God's glances when He looks down at His feet. . . God does not call those who are worthy, but those whom He pleases.

St. Therese of Lisieux

All the great truths of religion, the mysteries of eternity, plunged my soul into a state of joy not of this earth. I experienced what God reserved for those who love Him.

St. Therese of Lisieux