Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897)
I felt that a fraternal love entered my heart, a need to forget myself in order to bring joy to others, and since then I have been happy! (AS 96)
I understood that without love all works are nothing, even the most magnificent works, such as the resurrection of the dead or the conversion of nations... (AS 167)
Jesus granted me the grace to understand what love is. I understood it before as well, that is true, but imperfectly. I did not deeply reflect on these words of Jesus: “The second commandment is LIKE the first: you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (1). I especially sought to love God, and when I loved Him, I understood that my love must not be expressed only in words, for: “Not everyone who says to me: Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven” (2). Jesus revealed this will to me many times; I would say, almost on every page of His gospel. (AS 214)
When I reflected on these words of Jesus, I realized how imperfect my love for my sisters is. I saw that I do not love them as the Lord God loves them. Now I understand that perfect love consists in bearing the faults of others, in not wondering at their weaknesses, in encouraging the smallest acts of virtue we see in them. But most importantly, I understood that love must not remain closed at the bottom of the heart. Jesus said: “When the lamp is lit, it is not put under a vessel, but on a stand, so that it gives light to all in the house” (3). I believe that this light represents the love that is meant to illuminate, delight not only my dearest ones but everyone in the house, leaving no one out. (AS 215)
Yes, I feel it, when I show love, it is Jesus who acts in me. The more I am united with Him, the more I love all my sisters. When I want to multiply this love within myself, especially when the evil spirit tries to bring to my mind the faults of that or the other sister, who is less sympathetic to me, I quickly try to discover her virtues, her good intentions. I tell myself if I saw her fall once, she might have achieved victory many times, but out of humility she hides it, and even what appears to me as a transgression may very well be, considering her intention, an act of virtue. (AS 215n)
(1) Mt 22,39; (2) Mt 7,21; (3) Mt 5,15.
(AS = Autobiographical writings)
