The Little Way

 

   Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, the little flower.  Though she died quite young, only 24, she left a legacy that will live forever.  She taught us that even the least of us can be saints if we will allow God to make us so.

   So many think they must do great things or work miracles to become saints, but the truth is most saints are common people who simply live their lives in service to God, striving to live by His will.  Some do wonderous things, achieving greatness, but most live in obscurity, serving as best they can.

   St. Therese came to know that the Lord loves the little souls who wish to serve Him in whatever way He desires.  She spoke of the littleness of her soul and the fear she initially had that she could never become a saint.  She knew she was not capable of great things but desired only to serve the Lord.  She came to realize that even the least of us can please God and achieve sainthood though the world may never know.

   She brings hope to me that I too can be a saint even though I will most likely never do anything great to deserve sainthood.  Scripture tells of mansions in heaven and other wonderous things.  I don’t desire a great mansion, just a place in heaven.  The lowest place of all far exceeds anything this world has to offer.

   St. Therese said that when she died she would send down a shower of roses from heaven.  That that she would spend her time in heaven doing good on earth.  What a beautiful bouquet of roses and love she offers! 

Even the least of us can become saints.

I don’t need greatness, just Your love.

I don’t need mansions, just a place with You.

Make me holy; make me a saint. 

Amen