Each small task of everyday life is part of the total harmony of the universe.
I prefer to be accused unjustly, for then I have nothing to reproach myself with, and joyfully offer this to the good Lord. Then I humble myself at the thought that I am indeed capable of doing the thing of which I have been accused.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests finding peace and humility in being wronged, acknowledging one's potential for wrongdoing, and surrendering to a higher power.
In this quote, Therese of Lisieux reflects on the virtue of being unjustly accused, seeing it as an opportunity to grow in humility and faith. She expresses that rather than feeling guilt when facing accusations, she chooses to offer her situation to God, recognizing her own capability for sin while maintaining a joyful spirit. This perspective encourages self-reflection and a deepened spiritual walk, emphasizing the importance of humility in the face of adversity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on forgiveness, one might cite this quote to illustrate the beauty of accepting wrongful accusations.
More from Therese Of Lisieux
All quotes →You heard me, only Friend whom I love. To ravish my heart, you became man. You shed your blood, what a supreme mystery!... And you still live for me on the Altar. If I cannot see the brilliance of your Face Or hear your sweet voice, O my God, I can live by your grace, I can rest on your Sacred Heart!
Holiness is a disposition of the heart that makes us humble and little in the arms of God, aware of our weakness, and confident - in the most audacious way - in His Fatherly goodness.
The guest of our soul knows our misery; He comes to find an empty tent within us - that is all He asks.
Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - difficulties, contradictions, humiliations, all the soul's miseries, her burdens, her needs - everything, because through them, she learns humility, realizes her weakness. Everything is a grace because everything is God's gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events - to the heart that loves, all is well.
In spite of this trial, which takes all enjoyment from me, I can never the less, cry out, 'Lord, you fill me with joy in all that you do. For is there a joy greater than to suffer for love?'
Similar quotes
Let soul speak with the silent articulation of a face.
When we struggle for human rights, for freedom, for dignity, when we feel that it is a ministry of the church to concern itself for those who are hungry, for those who have no schools, for those who are deprived, we are not departing from God's promise. He comes to free us from sin, and the church knows that sin's consequences are all such injustices and abuses. The church knows it is saving the world when it undertakes to speak also of such things.
Cast a cold eye on life, on death Horseman pass by
Prayer is like lying awake at night, afraid, with your head under the cover, hearing only the beating of your own heart. It is like a bird that has blundered down the flue and is caught indoors and flutters at the windowpanes. It is like standing a long time on a cold day, knocking at a shut door.
Death's an old joke, but each individual encounters it anew.
Talent is perhaps nothing other than successfully sublimated rage.