The Little Way is paved with humility. Learn how to be humble of heart with the words of St. Thérèse herself.
It appears to me that humility is the truth. I know not whether I am humble, but I know that I see the truth in all things.
–Counsels and Reminiscences
I am a very little soul who can offer only very little things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these little sacrifices which give such peace to the heart, escape me; but that does not discourage me, I bear with having a little less peace and I try to be more watchful another time.
–Story of a Soul. Ch. X
Since Jesus has gone back to Heaven I can follow Him only by the path He has traced. Oh how luminous are His footprints—diffusing a divine sweetness . . . I have but to glance at the holy Gospels and immediately I inhale the fragrance of the life of Jesus, and I know which side to take. Not to the first place do I run but to the last. I let the Pharisee go up, and full of confidence I repeat the humble prayer of the publican. Above all I copy the example of Magdalene; her amazing, or rather, her loving audacity, which so touched the Heart of Jesus, charms my own.
–Story of a Soul, Ch. XI
To think ourselves imperfect, and others perfect—that is happiness. That creatures should recognize we are without virtue takes nothing from us, makes us no poorer; it is they who by this lose interior joy; for there is nothing sweeter than to think well of our neighbor.
–Counsels and Reminiscences
When we are not understood, and are unfavorably judged, what good is there in defending ourselves? Let us leave it so and say nothing, it is so sweet to let ourselves be judged no matter how! It is not told in the Gospels that Saint Magdalene gave any explanation when blamed by her sister for sitting inactive at the feet of Jesus.
She did not say: “Martha, if thou didst but know my happiness, if thou didst but hear the words I hear, thou too wouldst lay all else aside, to share my joy and my repose.” No, she chose rather to be silent . . . O blessed silence which gives to the soul such peace!
–Counsels and Reminiscences
During her last agony the Mother Prioress encouraged her with these words: “My child, you are quite ready to appear before God because you have always understood the virtue of humility.”
Then of herself she gave this beautiful testimony: “Yes, I feel it, my soul has never sought but the truth . . . yes, I have understood humility of heart!”
–Story of a Soul, Ch. XII
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in The Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux which is available from TAN Books.
