Jesus’ disciples asked Him “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” In response, Jesus called a child over and replied to the disciples, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18: 1-4). Jesus’ words mean that we must have complete dependence and trust in God — just as how children have dependence and trust in their parents (New American Bible Revised Edition). Yet, as faithful Christians we ask ourselves, how can we show Jesus our dependence and trust?
In her autobiography St. Thérèse de Lisieux (2010. p. 158) shows us that Jesus asks only for self-surrender, gratitude, and our love. St. Thérèse thought of herself as full of imperfections, and very unlike the great saints, but she nonetheless found a way to get to heaven. Her “little way” is the way of spiritual childhood in which we demonstrate complete self-surrender and trust by offering little self-sacrifices as proofs of our love (p. 174). We must bear little crosses and do little things with great love. By doing so we show our love for Jesus and others, just as He wishes.
For example, St. Thérèse actively sought out people that she did not want to be around, and always met and left them with a smile. She felt that Jesus was present in every person she encountered. Her little way also includes everyday tasks and chores that we must accomplish. Do we approach them as a burden or obligation instead of an opportunity to show love? (The Jesuit Post). St. Thérèse also welcomed suffering joyfully, and her attitude allowed her to endure the intense pain of tuberculosis that led to her death at age 24. She wrote “He sends me what I can bear and no more; He increases my strength to meet my pain,” and “… “I have never been able to do anything by myself” (p. 174).
Even her prayers were done plainly. She writes “I tell God, quite simply, all that I want to say, and He always understands. Prayer for me, is simply a raising of the heart, a simple glance towards Heaven, an expression of love and gratitude in the midst of trial, as well as in times of joy; in a word, it is something noble and supernatural expanding my soul and uniting it to God” (p. 141).
Dear St. Thérèse de Lisieux, pray for us.
de Lisieux, Saint Thérèse. (2010). The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. TAN Books.
New American Bible Revised Edition. (2010). Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.
The Jesuit Post. The Little Way of St. Therese Lisieux. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://thejesuitpost.org/2022/09/the-little-way-of-st-therese-lisieux/
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