RCF – The Good Lord cannot inspire unrealizable desires. Saint Therese 3/5
RCF, July 1, 2020
Saint Thérèse tells how she decided to take the path of holiness. In her time, which is that of inventions, she draws a parallel with an elevator.
You know, Mother, I have always wanted to be a saint, but alas! I have always noticed, when I have compared myself to the saints, that there is between them and me the same difference that exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the heavens and the grain of dark sand trodden under the feet of the passers-by; instead of getting discouraged, I said to myself: the Good Lord cannot inspire unrealizable desires, so despite my smallness I can aspire to holiness; growing up is impossible, I must support myself as I am with all my imperfections; but I want to look for the way to go to Heaven by a very straight, very short little way, a very new little way. We are in a century of inventions now it is no longer worth climbing the steps of a staircase, among the rich an elevator advantageously replaces it. I would also like to find an elevator to raise me to Jesus, because I am too small to climb the difficult staircase of perfection. Then I searched in the holy books for the indication of the elevator, object of my desire and I read these words coming from the mouth of Eternal Wisdom: If anyone is VERY SMALL let him come to me » (Pr 9,4:66,12). So I came, guessing that I had found what I was looking for and wanting to know, oh my God! what you would do to the little one who answered your call I continued my research and this is what I found: “As a mother caresses her child, so I will comfort you, I will carry you on my breast and I will swing you on my knees ! » (Is 13-89,2) Ah! never have more tender, more melodious words come to rejoice my soul, the elevator that must lift me to Heaven is your arms, O Jesus! For this I do not need to grow, on the contrary I must remain small, that I become more and more. O my God, you have exceeded my expectation and I want to “sing your mercies. (Ps XNUMX).
Extract from Manuscript C – 3 r°, of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
