THE LITTLE WAY of Thérèse the Little Flower by Samuel Bastian - HTML preview

CHAPTER IX

Innocence and Simplicity

▢

nnocence is one of the most noticeably charming traits of childhood. It marks every word, gesture, and action with Icandoranduprightness.

To exclude this childlike innocence from a soul is like taking fragrance from a flower.

A soul that desires to walk the Little Way must highly value innocence. She must banish duplicity and avoid anything complicated. Jesus said: “Be as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Thérèse was a perfect model of this innocence. Without it, her Little Way would not be complete. Innocence is not practiced only at certain times, it is a way of being—shaping thoughts, words and actions, into the deepest expression of the soul.

In Thérèse’s spirituality, everything was ordinary and simple.

Her life was like a river flowing toward the sea, carried along by circumstances. In everything she did or suffered, she found a way to lift herself to God through love.

Her life was outwardly ordinary—no visions, no ecstasies. It was hidden in faith and love. Making her an model easy to imitate. She observed: “The number of little ones on earth is very great… there are only quite ordinary things. All that I do, little souls must be able to do also.” [ 59]

°°°

59 story of a soul: ch 12

Simplicity is the hallmark of innocence. Its property is to go straight to its end. In the spiritual life, the end is God. To go straight to Him is to make Him the direct goal of all actions.

This means forgetting creatures, forgetting self, and refusing selfish comfort. When we turn to ourselves or others, we deviate from that straight line and lose innocence.

Thérèse lived with only one desire, that is to please God. From this flowed her simplicity and innocence. Her innocence was not naïveté but transparency of a heart wholly given to God.

Simplicity was its natural expression—living without duplicity or self-seeking.

°°°

For her, everything was reduced to love. She said: “I know of one means only by which to arrive at perfection: love. Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else.”

To her innocence meant turning only to God and her simplicity kept everything uncluttered. Together they formed childlike trust and love—the foundation of her spirituality.

This innocence of love brought simplicity of faith. The child who loves never doubts his father’s word. Thus, faith, when empowered by love, transforms into strength.

Thérèse’s faith was innocent even in darkness. She never ceased to believe because she never ceased to love.

Her prayer was also simple. She said: “I say quite simply to God what I want to tell him, and he always understands me.” [60]

A few days before her death, in the infirmary she was seen praying with hands joined and eyes raised.

When asked what she said to Jesus, she replied:

[60] STORY OF A SOUL: CH 10

“I say nothing: I love him.” [61]

Her simplicity turned distractions into offerings. She trusted God with everything, even her odd thoughts.

She also prayed simply for others. Instead of listing their needs, she said: “Draw me: we will run after you.” (Song of Solomon 1:4) She knew that by running to God, she would draw others with her.

°°°

Her love transformed everything—thoughts, works, pains, joys—into love. She said: “Complicated methods are not for simple souls.”

She loved the Gospels most of all. “I close the learned book…

and open the Holy Scriptures. Then all appears clear, luminous.

One single word discloses infinite horizons… I rejoice in being little, since children only will be admitted to the heavenly banquet.” [62]

She nourished her soul on the Gospels, carrying them on her heart. “I have but to glance at the holy Gospels and immediately I inhale the fragrance of the life of Jesus.” [63]

Holiness is not found in extraordinary acts but in fidelity to ordinary life. The gift of simplicity is to see daily circumstances as the means of sanctification.

°°°

The Holy Family at Nazareth especially appealed to her. Their life was simple and ordinary, yet full of holiness. This encouraged her to see sanctity in daily duties.Thérèse

[61] STORY OF A SOUL: CH 12

[62] 6TH LETTER TO MISSIONARIES

[63] STORY OF A SOUL: CH 10

discovered this in her Carmelite life. She realized perfection was found in small duties and hidden sacrifices. Holiness was fidelity to the present moment.°°°

Her heroism was hidden in ordinary deeds. She preferred this simplicity. She said she wished to be called little Thérèse, even in heaven.[64] ()

Even after death, she “came down” to earth, scattering roses with the same simplicity. Grace perfected her nature, but glory did not change her soul. She remains forever little Thérèse.

She promised to “come down.” May she incline toward those who read these pages and draw them after her in the Little Way.

May she increase the number of little souls, enkindle them with Divine Love, and transform them into love.

°°°