Saint Therese’s Little Way, a path of transformation, mirrors Steps 1 through 3. From her own writings, she instructs us, “Agree to be that little child. Through the practice of all the virtues, raise your little foot to the scale in the stairway of holiness. You won’t succeed in reaching the first step, but God requires you only to demonstrate your good will…[H]e will descend himself, gather you up in his arms, and carry you off to his kingdom for ever.”

I tend to be impatient. How can I strive without striving? Further, what is God’s part in my salvation and what must I do? I also tend to want proof that I’m making progress in my spiritual life. Fortunately, our dear heavenly sister has a pearl of wisdom for my very little soul—to stop focusing on my own spiritual progress and, instead, confidently appeal to God’s love with goodwill and trust. For Therese, imperfections did not create an occasion for self-pity or discouragement. Instead, she shows us her Little Way, much like the “narrow way” Jesus speaks of today, which is the way of trusting, with humility, in Jesus Christ (and not in ourselves!). What a relief to discover this elegant instruction and model from our heavenly sister. May we pursue this Little Way of acceptance to be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Reflection Questions

• What is your conception of “the narrow way” that Jesus speaks of in today’s Gospel reading? What are some practical ways that “you strive to enter” it through your recovery?
• Do you tend to be preoccupied with measuring your spiritual progress in recovery instead of humbly accepting poverty and imperfection? How can you cultivate trust in God and His loving and transforming grace?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Reflection by Talitha R.