Thérèse of Lisieux is well-known as the "Little Flower of God" or "Little Theresa". She was a young saint of the Catholic Church, born in 1873 and died in 1897. Nevertheless, the nickname "Little" did not originate from her young age (Thérèse died at the age of 24), but rather from her humble and simple life.
I often refer to Thérèse's nickname as the "Little Stream" since I view Thérèse's life as a gentle and snappy instrument in the hands of God's Providence.
First of all, a gentle life is characterized by generosity, kindness, and humility. Thérèse was generous when she answered God's call as a child. According to the story of Thérèse of Lisieux, she was the youngest of eight children, and her mother passed away when she was four years old. Although she was a little child, she yearned to be united with Christ in the Mass and in the hours of prayer. At the age of fifteen, Thérèse wished to attend the Carmelite monastery at Lisieux, and her dream came true. Now, it is not easy to find a small child who chooses the spiritual way that is similar to Thérèse. Entering the religious vocation, she continued to live with noble ideals despite the difficulties associated with it. Although receiving the negative perspective from her sisters, Thérèse still maintained kindness in her behaviors and attitudes towards others; above all, she maintained humility in prayer and unity with God, praying for souls and others.
Next, we can wonder why Thérèse is a snappy instrument of God, and that is:
+ Pope Pius X called her "the greatest saint of modern times";
+ Pope John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church;
+ Well-known as the patron saint of missionary parishes.
A small, young, normal intelligence, and unremarkable girl who becomes a symbol for LOVE OF GOD and LOVE FOR ALL is incontrovertible; As her last words: "I will return to earth to make love loved. After my death, I will send a rain of roses. I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth" and "My God, I love you".
The stream is small and gentle, but it can wear away the rock! Thank You, marvelous God.
Author & Photo: Little Stream
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