Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux

by Thérèse of Lisieux

I have read in the Gospel that the Good Shepherd leaves the faithful ones of His flock in the desert to hasten after the lost sheep. This confidence touches me deeply. You see He is sure of them.

I find that trials are a great help towards detachment from the things of earth: they make one look higher than this world.

Love can take the place of a long life.

The treacherous creature knows quite well that when a soul is striving to belong wholly to God he cannot cause her to sin, so he merely tries to persuade her that she has sinned.

Pray much that the best portion of your life may not be overshadowed by idle fears.

"Merciful Father, in the name of Thy sweet Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin, and all the Saints, I beg Thee to consume my sister with Thy spirit of love, and to grant her the grace to make Thee greatly loved."

Justice is not only stern severity towards the guilty; it takes account of the good intention, and gives to virtue its reward.