Man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions or consolations, nor by his knowledge of Scriptures, nor by his being placed in a more elevated station; but by his being grounded in true humility, and replenished with divine charity; by his seeking always, purely and entirely, the honour of God; by his esteeming himself as nothing, and sincerely despising himself; and being better pleased to be despised and humbled by others, than to be the object of their esteem.
-Bk. III, ch. vii.
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Amongst those of the Community who came into contact with the Saint during her last illness was a laysister who could not understand her reputation for sanctity, as she had only seen her carrying out faithfully very ordinary duties. One day she brought the dying nun some food which would certainly have made her sick, so it was gently refused with an apology. The Sister was displeased, and remarked later: "I cannot understand why Soeur Therese is so much praised; she never does anything out of the ordinary; in fact, she could scarcely be called a good religious."
When this was repeated to the Saint, her face lit up with a smile, and she told a nun who came to see her how happy it made her to be so judged: "What joy to hear on my death-bed that I am not even a good nun!"
-Summarium.
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For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
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