Teresa de Jesús

alex73

Reading a book I bought about 15 years ago on Teresa de Jesús. Anyone else out there a Fan?

Always impressed me her poem.

Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing make you afraid.
All things are passing.
God alone never changes.
Patience gains all things.
If you have God you will want for nothing.
God alone suffices.


Used to live in Spain near where she died... Can to this day remember the place.

Spanish version is better.


Nada turbe,
Nada te espante,
todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda;
la paciencia
todo lo alcanza;
quien a Dios tiene
nada le falta:
Sólo Dios basta.

lmaopml

Alex73, I have a few saints that speak to me so much..and that I love and understand. St. Therese is one of them. Her 'Little way' is beautiful, and simple wisdom, the best kind!

I hope you don't mind if I post this detail..that explains why 'we' acknowledge St. Therese, as a very real Saint, that we hold fast to as an example..God knows that he gave us 'examples' and Therese is one of those that exemplify, and hold our hands on the journey of trust and faith...




What is the meaning of “the little way” of St Therese? It is an image that tries to capture her understanding of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, of seeking holiness of life in the ordinary and the everyday. St Therese based “her little way” on two fundamental convictions: (1) God shows love by mercy and forgiveness, and (2) she could not be “perfect” in following the Lord. St Therese believed that the people of her time lived in too great a fear of God's judgment. The fear was stifling and did not allow people to experience the freedom of the children of God. St Therese knew from her life that God is merciful love; many scripture passages in the Old and New Testaments bore out that truth. She loved the maternal images for God in the Old Testament and the love of God for us in Jesus Christ. In fact, St Therese once wrote that she could not understand how anyone could be afraid of a God who became a child. She also knew that she would never be perfect. Therefore, she went to God as a child approaches a parent . . . with open arms and a profound trust.

St Therese translated “the little way” in terms of a commitment to the tasks and to the people we meet in our everyday lives. She took her assignments in the convent of Lisieux as ways of manifesting her love for God and for others. She worked as a sacristan by taking care of the altar and the chapel; she served in the refectory and in the laundry room; she wrote plays for the entertainment of the community. Above all, she tried to show a love for all the nuns in the community. She played no favourites; she gave of herself even to the difficult members. Her life sounds so routine and ordinary, but it was steeped in a loving commitment that knew no breakdown. It is called a “little way” precisely by being simple, direct, yet calling for amazing fortitude and commitment.

In living out her life of faith she sensed that everything that she was able to accomplish came from the generous love of God in her life. She was convinced that at the end of her life she would go to God with empty hands. Why? Because all was accomplished in union with God.

Catholics and other Christians have been attracted to St Therese's style. Her “little way” seems to put holiness of life within the reach of ordinary people. Live out your days with confidence in God's love for you. Recognize that each day is a gift in which your life can make a difference by the way you choose to live it. Put hope in a future in which God will be all and love will consume your spirit. Choose life, not the darkness of pettiness and greed. St Therese knew the difference love makes by allowing love to be the statement she made each day of her life.

alex73

There are 2 St. Teresa's, the one I posted about is St. Teresa of Avila.

But without a shadow of a Doubt St. Teresa of lisieux is also an amazing saint and example.

What most impressed me about her was her determination... She goes to Rome.,,, She goes to the Pope in person and says... I want to be a nun..


Interesting that both Saints are Doctors of the Church.

lmaopml

oops, sorry Alex! When I think of St. Therese I think immediately of the little flower, I am most familiar with. I'm sorry.:o

georgieporgy

I am a great fan of St Therese of Avila. St Therese of Liseux is indeed quite a character,but the other one, Therese of Jesus is right out there too. A cool woman indeed.