Summary
This podcast episode explores the profound insights of Saint Therese of Lisieux, particularly her 'little way' of spiritual simplicity and surrender. The discussion highlights how Therese, inspired by nature, realized God's infinite love is present in all souls, regardless of perceived greatness. It delves into the idea that perfection lies in fulfilling God's will and being what He creates us to be, challenging societal notions of achievement and superiority. The conversation emphasizes finding God's presence in ordinariness, the importance of sincerity in prayer, and the divine amidst life's rhythms of light and darkness.
Key Insights
Therese's core insight: God's infinite love embraces all souls, big and small.
Saint Therese's significant insight, drawn from observing nature (flowers like roses, lilies, violets, and daisies), is that God's infinite love is present in souls of all perceived sizes and capacities. If all were roses, nature would lose its beauty; likewise, God wills diversity in souls. Perfection is doing God's will and being what He wills us to be. This insight guides her life and writings, earning her the title 'the little flower'.
Perfection is not in achievement, but in surrender to God's love in one's littleness.
Therese initially longed to be a great saint and do heroic things for God. However, through her experience with nature, she realized that God's infinite love is present in the 'littleness' of souls. She learned that perfection is found in surrender to God's infinite love, which embraces her in her perceived smallness. This understanding changes her entire approach to sainthood, moving from a focus on attainment to one of complete surrender.
God's love is equally revealed in simple souls who fully accept grace.
Therese understood that God's love is perfectly revealed in a simple soul who resists His grace in nothing, just as it is in a 'great' or 'excellent' soul. This means that even seemingly small acts of surrender and openness to grace can perfectly manifest God's love.
Contemplation allows us to perceive divinity in the ordinariness of existence.
Ego consciousness, focused on daily tasks and stresses, often misses the divine presence. However, pausing to ponder simple things like rain, a flower, or one's own breath allows for a shift into contemplative consciousness. In these moments, we connect with deeper dimensions of our being and God's presence, experiencing a spiritual completeness that is always available.
True discernment involves facing reality and turning to God for guidance.
Discernment begins by accepting reality as it is and then engaging with God to understand the appropriate action. Similar to Aquinas's advice to begin where we are, Therese emphasizes facing what the present moment asks. The 'concreteness' of everyday life becomes a sacramental encounter with God's infinite love.
Everything can be an opening to God if we approach it with a sincere heart.
Distraction arises from fear that there is nothing more if we cease to be occupied. However, moments of love and simplicity reveal an unexplainable 'more' shining through. Work, chores, and daily activities can be seen as mere tasks or as opportunities to discover God's presence, depending on our perspective and sincerity. For Therese, her obedience in writing her story became an eternal song of God's mercy.
Sincerity in prayer means being authentically ourselves before God.
Spiritual sincerity is crucial in prayer and relationships. It involves being real with God, acknowledging our seeking, and receiving God's reciprocal presence. Like Jesus, who was infinitely sincere, true discipleship involves heartfelt authenticity in walking the walk and being 'real' from the heart.
The rhythm of light and darkness is inherent to the human experience, infused with divinity.
To be human is to live within a natural rhythm of light (grace, plenitude) and darkness (trauma, loss). Even in suffering, God's presence can be found. This understanding helps one transcend the mere terribleness of loss and discover gifts that would otherwise remain unknown, recognizing divinity woven through the pattern of these experiences.
Jesus offers a path to discovering incarnate love for those without loving families.
For individuals who did not experience a nurturing family, Jesus serves as the primary figure to help discover incarnate love. In the Christian tradition, Jesus embodies the inseparable intertwining of the divine and human, offering a way to encounter God's presence and love, especially in one's own brokenness.
Sections
An Introduction to Therese's 'Little Way'
The podcast introduces Therese of Lisieux and her 'little way' of spiritual simplicity.
Jim Finley and Kirsten Oates welcome listeners to season 13 of 'Turning to the Mystics,' focusing on Saint Therese of Lisieux. Jim Finley shares ambient rain sounds from his recording location.
Therese's core insight: God's infinite love embraces all souls, big and small.
Saint Therese's significant insight, drawn from observing nature (flowers like roses, lilies, violets, and daisies), is that God's infinite love is present in souls of all perceived sizes and capacities. If all were roses, nature would lose its beauty; likewise, God wills diversity in souls. Perfection is doing God's will and being what He wills us to be. This insight guides her life and writings, earning her the title 'the little flower'.
Perfection is not in achievement, but in surrender to God's love in one's littleness.
Therese initially longed to be a great saint and do heroic things for God. However, through her experience with nature, she realized that God's infinite love is present in the 'littleness' of souls. She learned that perfection is found in surrender to God's infinite love, which embraces her in her perceived smallness. This understanding changes her entire approach to sainthood, moving from a focus on attainment to one of complete surrender.
God's love is equally revealed in simple souls who fully accept grace.
Therese understood that God's love is perfectly revealed in a simple soul who resists His grace in nothing, just as it is in a 'great' or 'excellent' soul. This means that even seemingly small acts of surrender and openness to grace can perfectly manifest God's love.
Nature as the First Bible and God's Embodiment
Creation itself is God's first revelation, a 'book of nature'.
Nature is referred to as the 'first Bible' or 'God's body,' presenting God's presence and love. Therese used this observation to understand God's diverse creation, including the 'little flowers.' This concept aligns with indigenous and ancient cultures' reverence for the sacredness of the world.
Contemplation allows us to perceive divinity in the ordinariness of existence.
Ego consciousness, focused on daily tasks and stresses, often misses the divine presence. However, pausing to ponder simple things like rain, a flower, or one's own breath allows for a shift into contemplative consciousness. In these moments, we connect with deeper dimensions of our being and God's presence, experiencing a spiritual completeness that is always available.
Nature's presence is primal; human creations are fabrications.
Creation, including trees, stones, and rivers, is God presenting Himself forth, originating 'ex nihilo' (out of nothing). Human creations, like tables or paintings, are called 'fabrications' because they require pre-existing materials. While we don't create in the same way God does, we can participate in God's creativity through artistry and by finding divine patterns in ordinary things.
The Artistry of Discernment and Sincerity
True discernment involves facing reality and turning to God for guidance.
Discernment begins by accepting reality as it is and then engaging with God to understand the appropriate action. Similar to Aquinas's advice to begin where we are, Therese emphasizes facing what the present moment asks. The 'concreteness' of everyday life becomes a sacramental encounter with God's infinite love.
Everything can be an opening to God if we approach it with a sincere heart.
Distraction arises from fear that there is nothing more if we cease to be occupied. However, moments of love and simplicity reveal an unexplainable 'more' shining through. Work, chores, and daily activities can be seen as mere tasks or as opportunities to discover God's presence, depending on our perspective and sincerity. For Therese, her obedience in writing her story became an eternal song of God's mercy.
Sincerity in prayer means being authentically ourselves before God.
Spiritual sincerity is crucial in prayer and relationships. It involves being real with God, acknowledging our seeking, and receiving God's reciprocal presence. Like Jesus, who was infinitely sincere, true discipleship involves heartfelt authenticity in walking the walk and being 'real' from the heart.
Practicing prudence alongside sincerity is vital for navigating relationships.
While sincerity is paramount, prudence is also necessary for safety in relationships. Just as Jesus advised being 'wise as a serpent and simple as a dove,' we must balance openness with an awareness of the world to avoid being taken advantage of, while not losing our childlike simplicity.
Love, Loss, and the Rhythm of Life
Therese learned profound lessons about love and loss throughout her life.
Therese's childhood, marked by the early loss of her mother and later the cognitive decline of her father, instilled in her a deep understanding of both love and loss. These experiences, woven together, presented a 'bittersweet alchemy' that providentially shaped her spiritual sensitivity.
The rhythm of light and darkness is inherent to the human experience, infused with divinity.
To be human is to live within a natural rhythm of light (grace, plenitude) and darkness (trauma, loss). Even in suffering, God's presence can be found. This understanding helps one transcend the mere terribleness of loss and discover gifts that would otherwise remain unknown, recognizing divinity woven through the pattern of these experiences.
Enlightenment isn't perpetual light but embracing the divine within life's rhythms.
The concept of enlightenment is not a constant state of 'light' but rather living within the natural rhythms of light and darkness with faith that divine light permeates both. This acceptance of the human condition, trusting that light shines through darkness, is central to Therese's message.
Jesus offers a path to discovering incarnate love for those without loving families.
For individuals who did not experience a nurturing family, Jesus serves as the primary figure to help discover incarnate love. In the Christian tradition, Jesus embodies the inseparable intertwining of the divine and human, offering a way to encounter God's presence and love, especially in one's own brokenness.
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