St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the "Little Flower," is renowned not only for her profound spirituality but also for her accessible and practical approach to holiness. Her writings, particularly her autobiography Story of a Soul, are brimming with insights on humility, a virtue she considered essential for a close relationship with God. This exploration delves into some of her most impactful quotes on humility, examining their meaning and practical application in our lives. We'll also address some frequently asked questions surrounding her teachings on this crucial virtue.
What did St. Thérèse say about humility?
St. Thérèse consistently emphasized the importance of childlike humility as the path to spiritual greatness. She didn't see humility as self-deprecation, but rather as a recognition of one's complete dependence on God's grace. She famously described her "little way" to sanctity, which centered on performing small, everyday actions with great love and humility, offering them to God. For her, true humility wasn't about outward displays of modesty, but an inner posture of the heart—a complete surrender to God's will. She believed that even the smallest act, performed with humble love, had immense spiritual value.
How did St. Thérèse practice humility?
St. Thérèse's life was a living testament to her teachings on humility. She embraced her perceived limitations, seeing them not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow closer to God. She willingly accepted menial tasks in the convent, finding joy in serving others. Her humility extended to her writings, where she presented herself with childlike simplicity and honesty, devoid of self-promotion or grandiosity. She actively sought to avoid any semblance of pride, constantly reminding herself of her dependence on God's grace.
What are some of St. Thérèse's best quotes on humility?
Several quotes encapsulate her understanding of humility:
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"Humility is truth." This concise statement highlights the inherent connection between humility and an accurate self-perception. It's about acknowledging one's weaknesses and limitations without self-condemnation, recognizing that true worth comes from God alone.
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"Let us be humble, and we shall be great." This seemingly paradoxical statement reveals the counterintuitive nature of spiritual growth. By embracing humility, we open ourselves to God's grace, leading to genuine greatness in the eyes of God.
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"What matters most is to become small in order to grow great." This quote emphasizes the necessity of self-emptying in order to allow God to fill us. It mirrors the paradoxical nature of the Christian life, where surrender leads to empowerment.
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"I have found my vocation: my vocation is love." While not explicitly about humility, this quote underscores the central role humility plays in St. Thérèse's spiritual journey. Love, in its purest form, requires humility—a willingness to serve and to put the needs of others before one's own.
How can I cultivate humility like St. Thérèse?
St. Thérèse's approach to humility offers a practical path for us today. We can cultivate it by:
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Practicing self-awareness: Regularly reflecting on our thoughts and actions helps us identify areas where pride might be lurking.
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Embracing our imperfections: Accepting our weaknesses without self-condemnation allows us to rely more fully on God's grace.
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Serving others humbly: Finding joy in performing acts of service, even small ones, fosters humility.
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Practicing gratitude: Regularly acknowledging God's blessings cultivates a spirit of dependence and humility.
Is humility the same as self-deprecation?
No, humility is not the same as self-deprecation. Self-deprecation involves putting oneself down, often excessively, while humility is an honest assessment of one's limitations coupled with a recognition of one's worth in God's eyes. Humility acknowledges our imperfections without dwelling on them, whereas self-deprecation wallows in negativity. St. Thérèse's humility was rooted in a deep love for God and a profound trust in His grace, not in self-diminishment.
How does humility lead to holiness?
For St. Thérèse, humility was the foundation for holiness. By humbling ourselves before God, we create space for Him to work in our lives. This openness to God's grace allows us to receive His transformative power, leading to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Him. Humility allows us to see ourselves accurately, recognizing our dependence on God and enabling us to receive His gifts freely.
St. Thérèse's teachings on humility remain powerfully relevant today. Her simple yet profound insights offer a practical and accessible path towards a deeper relationship with God, showing that true greatness lies in humble surrender to His will.
