READING

My joy is to stay little,
So when I fall on the way,
I can get up very quickly,
And Jesus takes me by the hand.
Then I cover him with caresses
And tell Him He’s everything for me,
And I’m twice as tender
When He slips away from my faith.

PN 45, Stanza 4

REFLECTION

Do you struggle with being dependent on God? St. Thérèse found joy in staying little—acknowledging her own weakness and relying completely on Jesus. When she fell, she trusted that Jesus would lift her up and guide her. By staying little, she lived with childlike trust, knowing that each fall was an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Today, reflect on how you approach your own weaknesses and struggles. Can you embrace the joy of staying little and depending on Jesus to guide you? Ask St. Thérèse to help you find strength in humility, trusting that Jesus is always by your side to take your hand.

NOVENA PRAYER

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus,
remember your promise to do good on earth;
send your shower of roses in abundance
on those who call upon you,
and obtain for us from God the graces
we are waiting to receive from His infinite goodness.

mention your intentions here

God our Father,
you have promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.

We always refer to the website of the Archives of the Carmel of Lisieux for the vast majority of our quotes concerning Saint Thérèse, Saint Zélie, and Saint Louis Martin. If you would like to purchase English translations for the collected works of St. Thérèse, please visit the website of our Discalced Carmelite friars at ICS Publications. 

Thérèse of Lisieux, S 1995, The Poetry of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, translated from the French by Kinney, D, ICS Publications, Washington DC.

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/09/25/tejnovena24-5/

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