One prayer for its tomorrow—oh, no, I cannot say:
My heart untouched preserve—and with Thy shadow cover,
If only for today!"
She dared not look into the future:
"If I dream of the morrow, my changeful thought affrights me,
My heart, inconstant, mours and wearies of the way;
I long, my God, that pain and trial to Thee unite me,
If only for today!"
Seeing her suffer so much, one of her sisters remarked: "To think that it may increase!" St. Therese replied: "It is quite a mistake to trouble ourselves as to what I may still have to suffer. It is like meddling with God's work. We who run in the way of love must never allow ourselves to be disturbed by anything. If I did not simply live from one moment to the next, it would be impossible for me to be patient; but I look only at the present. I forget the past, and take good care not to forestall the future. When we yield to discouragement or despair, it is usually because we think too much about the past and the future." How true! Hence, when she was told that some thought that she feared death, she answered: "That may easily come to pass…. It will be time enough to bear that cross when it comes; meantime I wish to rejoice in my present happiness." What strength and joy of soul would be mine in the midst of pain if I would but follow this wise teaching!
Novena Prayer
Dear St. Therese I begin to understand more and more the source of your surprising strength in pain, and suffering, for what can be impossible to one who leans on God Almighty's power, living in the loving consciousness of His abiding presence in the soul? Knowing that He is the best and most tender of Fathers, it is but natural that I realize that all that befalls me comes from His love, and hence is intended for my highest interests, my eternal welfare. Obtain for me the
