You must not set yourself up as a judge. That is God's right alone. Your only mission is to be an angel of peace.
-St. Therese
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There is no joy like that known by the truly poor in spirit.
-St. Therese poor in spirit = rich in humility. But what is humility? Doesn't that mean being pushed around, overlooked and taken for granted? Not according to St. Therese, or another great saint - St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent says that Humility means 2 things: being teachable and approachable. It is recognizing the truth of our situation, and being open and willing to learn, change and grow; to move beyond being passive, passive aggressive, or depressed and dejected. We dwell in those houses of misery because pride keeps us locked inside. Humility, and its sister, Gratitude, are the antidote, the keys that unlock the door and open the windows. St. Vincent de Paul called humility the "foundation of the virtuous life." It impossible to build without this strong foundation. The good God says to me 'Give always without concerning yourself with results.'
-St. Therese These are comforting words, indeed! They remind us that our efforts should not be judged simply by immediate, measureable results. St. Therese's own life bore witness to this. It is remarkable to think of the difference her life has made, especially since her life was very short and mostly hidden in a convent. We should not be disturbed if we see no effects from our efforts, as long as we know we have truly done all we could - if we have 'given of ourselves.' I would like to preach the Gospel on all 5 continents ... until the consummation of the world!
-St. Therese Jesus does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them.
-St. Therese I know well that JOY is not in the things that surround us. It dwells in the innermost soul.
-St. Therese It is so wonderful to think that God is really just. God takes into our account our weakness and our frailty.
-St. Therese St. Therese did not escape suffering, even though she was a saint. Instead, her suffering transformed her into someone better. She turned it into a deeper purpose. She would agree with the quote above from Karen Salmansohn - "find joy in the story you are living," especially if your story is different from the one you thought it would be. |
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