What a joy to realize that today is the feastday of St Therese of Lisiseux or of the Child Jesus... otherwise known as the little flower! Whenever I see roses... I remember her promise to do hard work in heaven for all of us... "She promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth." There are many stories of people asking for a sign in roses and receiving them from her! I remembered the roses in France, and so went to my pictures from our recent visit to Hallel's Community of the Lamb, and that will be the backdrop for my sharing today!
Meals in France are wonderful relaxed times of one course of simple food after another... times that we shared as a family with our daughter, little sister Hallel! When Susan/Hallel studied in Rome for her entire sophomore year as a Catholic Studies student at the University of St Thomas... she took a trip on her own to experience some of the spiritual gems that are within a train trip from Rome. It centered mostly in France... including Lourdes, St Bernedette, and then to visit the tomb of St Therese! In writing this I am struck by how Our Lady and her Son do work through and "appear" to those that are children... the humble of the world!
After sharing our wonderful "family" meals in France... they would always heat the water and wash the dishes together... reminding me today of the "small things with great love" that St Therese teaches the world!
Pat ducked in from hauling manure onto the field across the road - the beans have been harvested so now put some natural fertilizer on it! We shared some morning prayer, which included a call to 3 year old Therese in Missouri, to wish her a happy feast day! She is excited... as they are going to the park to celebrate with some little friends! It was no surprise when Maria named her first daughter,Therese, as the Big "T" was very instrumental in her considering the call to religious life after reading her book...The Story of a Soul
"In a society that idolizes the surface of youth while forcing its children into artificial adulthood," ( I keep thinking of those little girls in makeup competing in beauty contests, and how it is so sad to see young girls looking old and tarnished by the makeup and trappings of looking older and more seductive... so sad!) "St Therese might seem foolishly childish, but in fact she teaches the real wisdom of the child: trustful willingness to be led, taught, and raised to true maturity according to God's plan rather than her own." see http://www.magnificat.com/
St Therese... shower down roses of beautiful innocent and pure young people that resist the lures and temptations of the world and show us that true beauty lies within Christ!
Jesus, thank you for the gift of the children in the world to teach us how to love and serve you and each other. The beautiful gift of those that allow nothing to come between you and them! Help us this day to leave behind all those things that prevent us from saying a childish "yes" to all that you ask of us, as we serve you and one another doing small things with great love! Jesus, we trust in you! Amen and Halleluia!
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.”
― St. Thérèse de Lisieux
Happy Feast day, Sweet little Therese - always stay little on the inside as you grow in HIM!
More French roses...
Our Lady, show us how to be humble and small!
I knew I loved October! It starts out with St Therese... reminding us to become and remain humble. As I am days away from being 60... I am gracefully (?) accepting my graying hair and aging body... that certainly keeps a person humble! It is the most beautiful time of year too! Bless-bless
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