Spiritual Corner -- St. Theresa of Lisieux

Spiritual Corner St. Theresa of Lisieux St. Theresa of Lisieux is one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Her spiritual development could be reflected from how she focussed on simple and trivial acts, her total reliance on God’s mercy and how she could find wonderful things in what was ordinary. St. Theresa passed away at the age of 24, but was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II as doctor of the Church.

Following are the 11 quotes of St. Theresa’s eternal wisdom:

1. Sufferings gladly borne for others convert more people than sermons.
2. A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.
3. My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice; these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words.
4. For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.
5. Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person.
6. If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient; but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.
7. If you want to be cured, you should frequently receive the Holy Eucharist…this is the only way to heal. Jesus put such aspiration in your heart not without any purpose…
8. Do you realise that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you – for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart… Don’t listen to the demon; laugh at him, and go without fear to receive the Jesus of peace and love.
9. True charity consists in bearing all our neighbour’s defects – not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.
10. Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.
11. Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.

Yours,
Fr. John Wang