Therese of Lisieux (1873–1897)
With what longing and comfort I have repeated from the beginning of my religious life the words of our father St. John of the Cross: “It is of utmost importance that the soul be trained in love, that it be consumed rapidly and does not stop here below, but hastens to the point of seeing God face to face." (1) (VDŽ 77)
But now... I even agree that my life may be very long. I only desire one grace: that it be consumed by love. (AS 208n)
I wish to love Jesus so much!... To love him more than he has ever been loved!... My only desire is to continually fulfill Jesus' will. (D 74)
I do not ask for sensible love, but for that which only Jesus will feel. Oh, to love and strive to be loved, how sweet it is!... (D 114)
When I have no opportunity, I want to at least tell him that I love him; it is not difficult and keeps the fire alive; even if I seem to think that this fire of love has gone out, I would like to throw something into it and Jesus would then know how to fan it. (D 143)
I understand so well that only love can make us dear to God, therefore love is the only good I strive for. Jesus shows me the only way that leads to this Divine furnace. That way is the abandonment of a little child who sleeps without fear in the arms of its Father. (D 196)
Jesus does not need our deeds, but only our love... I feel this more than ever. Jesus thirsts and encounters only ungrateful and indifferent hearts. Among the disciples of the world and among his disciples, he finds, alas, few hearts that surrender to him unreservedly, few that understand the tenderness of his infinite love! (D 196)
Trust, and nothing but trust must lead us to Love. (D 197)
I think that we, who run the path of love, do not need to think about what painful things may happen to us in the future, for that would mean we lack trust, and that is as if we were meddling in the work of creation. (VDŽ 72)
I find perfection very easy because I have understood that it is enough to catch Jesus by the heart... He himself shows us that the most insignificant acts performed out of love captivate his heart... If it were necessary to do great things, how pitiful we would be!... But how happy we are when Jesus allows himself to be bound by the smallest... (D 191)
How sweet is the path of love! Certainly, a person can falter, can commit infidelities, but love, because it knows how to draw from everything, quickly consumes all that may displease Jesus and leaves only humble and sweet peace deep in the heart... (AS 170)
One single act of love will allow us to know Jesus better... It will draw us closer to him for all eternity!...
(D 89)
Oh, I love him... My God... I love you!... (last words, VDŽ 164)
(1) The Living Flame of Love I,34.
(VDŽ = I Enter into Life; AS = The Autobiographical Writings; D = Letters)
