Lac des Dix by BraunW via Wikipedia Commons
Words of St. Therese
Far away on the horizon we could see the great mountains…The sight of these beauties made a deep impression on my thoughts; I felt as if I were already beginning to understand the greatness of God and the wonders of heaven.
The sun’s light that plays on the cedar trees, plays on each tiny flower as if it were the only one in existence; and in the same way our Lord takes a special interest in each soul…
Reflection
All creation became for St. Therese a medium for experiencing God. On her diocesan pilgrimage to Rome, she marveled at the mountains and hills from her railroad car. She admired flowers which spoke to her of the great variety of souls. The ocean reflected the grandeur of God and the fields provided contemplative space to be quiet and to attend to God’s presence.
St. Therese was fond of gathering flowers to place at the statue of the Infant of Prague in the cloister walk of the monastery in Lisieux. Nature reminded her of what really mattered: to give glory to the Creator of all and to tend with care to those with whom she lived, images of God’s presence in the cloister of Carmel.
Prayer
I pray, St. Therese, that I can maintain a deepening respect for all creation, in particular for all women, men and children, for they are made in the image and likeness of God. All of us are troubled by the presence of hatred and violence, wars and abuses of every kind. May the Lord help me to be a sign of His love, just as you, St. Therese, showed us a “little way” of love. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Question
How does the word of nature speak to me in little ways of God’s wisdom and love?
Taken from A Journey of Love: Walking with St. Therese of Lisieux by Fr. John Russell, O. Carm.
