Their life in brief
Thérèse Martin entered the Carmel of Lisieux at fifteen and lived a short, hidden life of prayer. She died in 1897 at the age of twenty-four, leaving writings later gathered as Story of a Soul.
Her spiritual teaching centered on childlike trust in God’s merciful love. She sought no spectacular accomplishments, but chose to do small and ordinary things with great love. The Church later named her a Doctor of the Church and patroness of missions.
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3
What Thérèse of Lisieux teaches us
Thérèse teaches that holiness is available in the next small choice: patience instead of irritation, kindness instead of indifference, and trust instead of fear.
Pause and reflect
01What small duty can I offer to Jesus with greater love?
02Where do I need to trust God’s mercy rather than my own strength?
Let us pray
Saint Thérèse, little flower of Jesus, teach me your way of confidence and love. Help me accept my littleness without discouragement and offer each ordinary moment to God. Pray that I may trust his mercy, love those nearest to me, and do small things with a generous heart. Amen.
Choose one ordinary task and perform it carefully, patiently, and entirely for love of God.