What sometimes holds me back is not Jesus, it is myself. I am ashamed of myself, and instead of throwing myself into the arms of this friend, I barely dare to lie at his feet. Often the first impulse draws me into his arms, but I immediately stop when I look at my misery and do not dare. Is it a fault? – tell me, sister. I believe that God's Heart is much sadder for the thousands of small cowardices, unkindnesses that his friends inflict on him, than even for the heavy sins into which nature may slip. You understand me and will make me generous, blameless towards Jesus.
(Fr. Maurice Bellière /1874–1907/, letter to Thérèse of Lisieux, KT 191, July 21, 1897)
