Saint Therese of Lisieux Archives - Page 6 of 6

Good to Be Caught Up in Trifles

Carmelite homily for Lectionary 482 – Thursday, October 31, 2019

In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, Saint Therese uses many different images. One of my favorites is of a little bird. She writes, “Ahhh, this little bird picks up a grain, then it chases after a little worm, then coming upon a little pool of water it wets its feathers hardly formed, then it sees an attractive flower its little mind is absorbed with this little flower. In a word, it is unable to soar like the eagles. This little bird is caught up in the trifles of the earth. But, O Jesus, your little bird is happy to be weak and little and would it never become big because then it would not have the tenacity, the boldness, to be in your presence and fall asleep. Yes, keep me weak, Lord. This little bird wants to fix its gaze upon you.” Today, Jesus uses the image of wanting to gather little birds under his wings. I think Therese has captured this very well.

Flowers in the Garden of God

Carmelite homily for Lectionary 480 – Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Carmel means “Garden of God” – Carm-El. That’s why the saints, the Carmelites saints, are likened to flowers, like the Little Flower called herself “Little Flower.” Here’s what Titus Brandsma in his book, “Carmelite Mysticism Historical Sketches,” says about Mary. “Mary is like a sunflower. This flower rises high above the other flowers. It is a simple flower. It can grow in all gardens. It is tall and firm with deep roots, always pointing towards the sun, yet keeping its head down in humility.” Today, in the Gospel, Jesus uses agricultural – gardening – metaphors. What kind of flower are you? Are you a weed? Are you a beautiful flower? Are you like Therese, a simple flower?

Fulfilled In His Call

Carmelite homily for Lectionary 666 – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Monday, October 26, 2019

In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, Saint Therese of Lisieux writes, “I wanted Carmel as soon as I learned of it; for all the aspirations of my soul are fulfilled in this Order.” I think that is what ‘call’ is – it’s to fulfill us, to fill the aspirations of our soul . In today’s Gospel we have the call, the vocation, of the twelve apostles. Yes, they’re working on their call, they’re working on their journey, they’re working on their discipleship. It’s the call for all us. But if Jesus calls us, all the aspirations of our souls will be fulfilled – in his call.

No Greatness Without Love

Carmelite homily for Lectionary 470 – Thursday, October 17, 2019

It seems that all the Carmelite writers have the same quotation – maybe they’re quoting each other, but it’s a good one. “The Lord will never look at the greatness of your deeds; only upon the love with which they are done.” In today’s Gospel we have Jesus condemning the people because they’re defending the faith, and going after him and each other, and building great monuments. They’re doing all sorts of things that are laudatory, but no love in them. I think this quotation from John of the Cross, from Teresa of Avila, from Therese of Lisieux, from ‘you name that Carmelite author’, it’s there: “The Lord will never look at the greatness of your deeds; only upon the love with which they are done.” Whatever you do today, no matter how great, do it with love.