The Little Way of St. Therese [Long]

praiseofglory.com ^ | Hans Urs Von Balthasar

[JMJ333]

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[JMJ333]

Therese of Lisieux also cleanses the Temple with a whip. She is fearless and aggressive. She loves war. She is a fighter by nature. "God wanted to make me conquer the fortress of Carmel at the sword's point." "Our Lord has granted me the grace of being totally unafraid of war; I must do my duty, whatever the cost." "Let us always grasp the sword of the spirit... let us never simply allow matters to take their course for the sake of our own peace; let us fight without ceasing, even without hope of winning the battle. What does success matter! Let us keep going, however exhausting the struggle may be... One must do one's duty to the end." "This morning I read a passage in the Gospel where it is said, 'I come not to bring peace but a sword'. All that remains for us then is to fight. When we have not the strength, it is then that Jesus fights for us. Together let us put the axe to the root of the tree..." "Sanctity! It has to be won at the point of the sword."

[Over50Million]

I come not to bring peace but a sword

You must surely be familiar with Ephesians Ch 6, eg "the sword of the Spirit" Eph 6:17. Ephesians has been very important for me.

I've read about as much as I can on Therese, but I don't recall such "agressiveness". I'm glad you pointed it out.

It surely is needed to "discuss" with the non-Catholics and I know I'll need it and use it later, but I mostly appreciate this post for it's pure Catholicism. I just can't imagine how people can live without being fully Catholic.

God Bless

[JMJ333]

Thanks for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed it. I have come to really appreciate the work of von Balthasar, and of course the true beauty of St. Therese.

Also, welcome to the forum and to our Catholic caucus! =)

[JMJ333]

There was nothing Therese feared more than to find herself settling debts with God. And since it is only grown-ups who settle debts she intends at all costs to preserve that relationship which one finds amongst children when they are dealing with each other. She simply will not grow old, and so will not be obliged to earn heaven. She wants no reward: "At Sext a verse occurs in the Divine Office which I recite each day with reluctance; it is this: 'I have inclined my heart to do Thy justifications for ever, because of the reward'. I hasten to add in my heart, 'O my Jesus, You know well that I do not serve You for reward, but solely because I love You and in order to save souls.'

[JMJ333]

Thus Therese sees it as her special mission to view all God's attributes in the light of his merciful love; his love is not simply connected with the other attributes, it embraces them. Even his justice is manifested and comprehensible through love. And Therese attaches the greatest importance to having her teaching on this point properly understood. Not many months before her death, on the 16th July 1897, she says to Pauline: "In my manuscript I have only said a word or two on the good God's justice. But if you wish you can discover my whole mind on this matter in a letter to Father Roulland, where I have explained it at length." This letter, however, though very valuable, does not really take us beyond the point in the History of a Soul which I have quoted above: Therese writes to her missionary-brother P. Roulland as follows: "I know one must be most pure to appear before the God of all holiness, but I know too that the Lord is infinitely just; and it is this justice, which terrifies so many souls, that is the basis of my joy and trust. To be just means not only to exercise severity in punishing the guilty, but also to recognize right intentions and to reward virtue. I hope as much from the good God's justice as from His mercy -- because He is 'compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.'

[Coleus]

Little Flower.

[JMJ333]

Indeed she was. =)

[EODGUY]

Thank you for this revealing profile of a truly tenacious, devout soldier of Christ.

BTTT

[JMJ333]

"How fortunate I am to see my imperfection, to need God's mercy so greatly at the hour of my death." Mercy can only be fully accepted with the whole soul by a person who feels a deep need for it. Faults are welcomed as occasions of humility towards God: "Whenever I have been guilty of a fault which causes me sorrow, then I know that this sadness is a result of my infidelity. But I do not let it rest at that. I say to the good God, 'I know that I have deserved this feeling of sorrow; nevertheless, let me offer it to You as a trial bestowed on me by Your love. It grieves me that I have done it, but I am glad to have this sorrow to offer to You.'

[EODGUY]

She certainly had the meaning of life here on earth and how to live it expertly defined.

Very inspiring and soothing.

[Over50Million]

I have come to really appreciate the work of von Balthasar

I didn't realize till later that I have that chapter in the following compilation: TWO SISTERS IN THE SPIRIT: Therese of Lisieux & Elizabeth of the Trinity.

I had read other books that helped me learn to appreciate The Little Way, but it was this book that gave me a huge insight that has proved invaluable to me:

"She reads scripture in light of her mission. Nor does she attempt to broaden the scope of what she takes to be her task; she leaves aside anything not directly bearing on it."

When I am in doubt, it is extremely helpful to ponder the great confidence she placed in the solitary scripture passages she found.

And thanks for the welcome. I just recently discovered FreePublic and am mildly enjoying "discussing" with the non-Catholics, but given it will ultimately prove to be a waste of time I'll look forward to solely discovering more Catholic treasures like your St. Therese post. God Bless.

[Salvation]

A Catholic drama group presented the Story of St. Therese a couple years ago at our parish. Her fiery will was definitely a part of the play. If you have a chance to see something like this, take it!

[JMJ333]

I'll be sure to see it if one comes along! I spent a good two hours reading this and found it really insightful in regard to suffering and the will. And such a sweet soul...

[JMJ333]

This is quite a long read--took me two hours--but it really is a beautiful piece that I thougt you might enjoy. =)

How is the beautiful Briege?

[Siobhan]

Briege is pure sweetness. Such a happy baby.

Thank you for the ping, and for this beautiful post.

[Siobhan]

A "Good for Your Soul Ping" - a most excellent post on the Little Flower!

[JMJ333]

I am glad to hear that the baby is doing well! She couldn't be in better hands. ;)

[Siobhan]

Thank you, JMJ333. You are so kind to me and have been such an encouraging friend even though we've never met. God bless you forever!