St. Therese of Lisieux is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church, probably because people are drawn to the idea of her “little way.” It is beautiful in its simplicity, meaning the concept is simple. Just filter everything you do through a lens of God’s love. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. In fact, I believe her dedication to this way in the face of suffering is fairly remarkable.
It is really about a life well-lived, no matter the circumstances. You don’t have to be rich and powerful to change the world, just treat people with love and kindness. Bring a positive attitude to everything you do. Pretty soon you start to experience the deep lasting joy that God wants for all of us, and that kind of joy can be infectious. There is no law to be passed, and probably no sermon to be preached that could impact our world like a positive attitude.
The other beautiful aspect of St. Therese’s “little way” is that she adopted it without telling anyone. She just lived her quiet humble life doing good works in the smallest details of every day. For example, she made sure she smiled at people, even the sisters she didn’t like. She just ate whatever she received without complaint, so they started giving her the worst leftovers. She even volunteered to care for one of the older sisters who was notoriously mean, accepting any criticism or anger that might be directed at her while continuing to provide the best care she could.
And all of these good works largely went unnoticed, so no one was proud of her and praising her. She lived according to the Gospel passage, “But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. …And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” (Matthew 6: 1 and 4) As she lay dying, she overheard two nuns wondering how the mother superior would find anything to say about Therese for an obituary since she hadn’t done anything extraordinary. In fact, if her sister hadn’t counseled her to keep journals, I’m not sure we would even know about her way.
The Society of the Little Flower says, “Countless millions have been touched by her intercession and imitate her ‘little way.’ She has been acclaimed ‘the greatest saint of modern times.’ In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared St. Therese a Doctor of the Church – the only Doctor of his pontificate – in tribute to the powerful way her spirituality has influenced people all over the world. (cited here, para 6)
I don’t know about you, but I find the stories of St. Therese and her “little way” to be so inspiring. We can all learn this lesson and apply it in whatever life situation we find ourselves. I really think this is the revolution our society needs to bring peace to the world. It’s all about a life of love …God’s love.
Really, that’s what God is calling each and every one of us to bring to the world. Remember the two most important commandments, as Jesus clarified for us. “You shall love the Lord, You God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39) Let’s all try to use St. Therese’s “little way” to follow these commands.
Lord God, we try every day to love You with all our hearts, all our souls, and all our minds. Thank you for your beautiful grace and mercy on those occasions where we fall short. Please guide us to find the little ways to show Your love to our neighbors, as well. Help us begin this revolution that could just change the world.