"Love proves itself by deeds, and how shall I prove mine? The little child will scatter flowers whose fragrant perfume will surround the royal throne, and in a voice that is silver-toned, she will sing the canticle of love… I can prove my love only by scattering flowers, that is to say, by never letting [...]
"If only everyone weak and imperfect like me felt as I do, no one would despair of reaching the heights of love, for Jesus does not ask for glorious deeds. He asks only for self-surrender and for gratitude." Source: St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, Saint Benedict Press, 2010. [...]
"There was at that time a certain nun who managed to irritate me in everything she did. The devil had a part in it, for it was certainly he who made me see all her bad points. Not wishing to give way to natural antipathy, I reminded myself that sentiments of charity were not enough; [...]
"I cannot tell you what I gained from this incident and how tolerant it made me. Praise is no longer an occasion of vanity. I have only to say to myself: 'If my little acts of virtue can be mistaken for imperfections, imperfections can just as easily be mistaken for virtue'; and I say with [...]
"Should the devil draw my attention to the faults of any one of them when I am seeking to increase this love in my heart, I call to mind at once her virtues and her good intentions. I tell myself that though I may have seen her fall once, there are probably a great many [...]
Sunday's quote from St. Faustina describes how humility is essential for us to become saints. It's a very challenging quote because it is so simple and yet difficult for us. The quote reminds me of St. Therese of Lisieux. Her little way was a call to radical humility. St. Therese offered a model for pursuing [...]
"I see now that true charity consists in bearing with the faults of those about us, never being surprised at their weaknesses, but edified at the least sign of virtue. I see above all that charity must not remain hidden in the bottom of our hearts, for 'no man lighteth a candle and putteth it [...]
"You know that I have always wanted to be a Saint; but compared with real Saints, I know perfectly well that I am no more like them than a grain of sand trodden beneath the feet of passers-by is like a mountain with its summit lost in the clouds. Instead of allowing this to discourage [...]
"When I say that compliments have no effect upon me, Mother, I am not referring to the love and confidence you have shown me; that, on the contrary, touches me deeply, but I feel that I need not be afraid of praise anymore and can enjoy it in all simplicity, attributing all that is good in me [...]