Archive

...Though one must indeed be pure before appearing in the sight of the All-Holy God, still I know that He is infinitely just, and the very justice which terrifies so many souls is the source of all my confidence and joy.  Justice is not only stern severity towards the guilty; it takes account of the good intention, and gives to virtue its reward. Indeed, I hope as much from the justice of God as from His mercy.

In seeing You(Mary) so pure, so tender, and so compassionate, who would not be encouraged to unburden his intimate sufferings to you? Who would not ask you to be his star on this stormy see? Who is there who would not cry in your arms without instantly receiving your immaculate kisses of love and comfort?

How does one acquire this love? By being determined to work and to suffer, and to do so when the occasion arises. It is indeed true that by thinking of what we owe the Lord, of who He is, and what we are, a soul's determination grows, and that this thinking is very meritorious and appropriate.

Here one can only endeavor to live with ever greater fidelity and purity the life that one has chosen in order to offer it as an acceptable sacrifice for all those with whom one is united.

I am content, nay, full of joy, to be without all consolation. I should be ashamed if my love were like that of earthly brides who are ever looking for gifts from their bridegrooms, or seeking to catch the smile which fills them with delight.  Therese, the little Spouse of Jesus, loves Him for Himself. . . .

God thirsts for the love of His creatures. God Himself is our beggar. Let's give ourselves to Him. Let's not be stingy, because God is entirely goodness and generosity towards us.

To love Jesus, to be His victim of love – the more weak and wretched we are, the more fitted we are for the operations of this consuming and transforming love.

Are you perhaps afraid that the abyss of the greatness of God and that of your nothingness cannot be united? There is love in him. His passionate love made him take flesh in order that by seeing a Man-God, we would not be afraid to draw near him.

Where we will be led on this earth we do not know, and we should not even ask about it beforehand. We know only that for those who love God, all things work to their good.
And besides, we know that the ways of the Lord go beyond this earth.