ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX

"I WANT TO BE A SAINT"

I have always desired to become a saint, but in comparing myself with the saints, I have ever felt that I am as far removed from them as a grain of sand, trampled underfoot by the passerby, as from the mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds.

Instead of feeling discouraged by such reflections, I have concluded that God would not inspire a wish which could not be realized, and that in spite of my littleness, I might aim at being a saint. 

"It is impossible," I said, "for me to become great, so I must bear with myself and my many imperfections."

I will seek out a means of reaching heaven by a little way . . . very short, very straight. We live in an age of inventions; there are now lifts which save us the trouble of climbing stairs.

I will try to find a lift by which I may be raised unto God. For I am too small to climb the steep stairway of perfection.

In Scripture, I came across these words uttered by Eternal Wisdom itself; "Whosoever is a little one, let him come to Me." (Prov 9:4)

St. Therese of Lisieux

(02-11-04)