Therese talks about her daily habits following the passing of her mother. The example set by her Father is a blazing light for all fathers. She was his little Queen, he was her King.
A moment from their life
In her Mother's final illness, Thérèse walked through darkness of faith.
- daily practices: prayer
- Therese's encounters of motherhood: mother, mother superior, sister (Celine threw herself into Marie's arms, crying "Well, you will be my Mother now"; "And Pauline will be my mother")
- Her joyful disposition shifted after her Mother's death, Therese became timid, shy and sensitive. Despite this, she was always cherised with the most loving care from her father and sisters.
- Moved to Lisieux, where she still longed for her mother yet she was able to smile on life once more.
- Walked every afternoon with her Father, visited the Blessed Sacrament in a Church, and first saw the Chapel of the Carmel.
- Called her Father "King" - Therese's Father REALLY loved her, like he would stop his work to enter her little world.
- Very gentle and selfless - at 6 years old she wanted to give money to a beggar
Scripture
Isaiah 66:13
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.
Reflection
If Our Lord had not lavished so much love and sunshine on His Little Flower, she never could have become acclimatised to this earth. Still too weak to bear the storm, she needed warmth,
refreshing dew, and soft breezes, and these gifts were never wanting to her, even in the chilling seasons of trials.
A small practice
Commit to a (new) daily prayer habit for the remainder of this pathway. Set a time and place to direct your attention to God, to converse, and to listen to Him. For example: 10 minutes of prayer each night before bed.
Prayer
I picture my soul as a tiny boat, with a graceful white sail, in the midst of the furrow. I resolve never to let it withdraw from the sight of Jesus, so that it might sail peacefully and quickly towards the Heavenly Shore.
Journal prompt
Where has God met me today?