Day 10- Not Insensible

"I repeat the more earnestly to the good God and the Saints that I love them, believe me, it is in spite of what I feel at the first moment."  ~ St. Therese

Preparatory Prayer:

Dear St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, I thank the Most Holy Trinity for all the graces lavished upon you, and through you upon the world.  I have great confidence in your intercession, both because of your power in Heaven, since you yourself said that "God would refuse you nothing," and because of your goodness and your promise that "no one would invoke you without receiving answer, since you would "spend your Heaven in doing good upon earth" and "let fall from Heaven a shower of roses."  Intercede for me with the loving Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that the Holy Spirit may assist me to understand your teaching on "Joy in Suffering" and may grant me the gift of fortitude, that fired with a burning love of God and souls, I may eagerly follow you in joyous suffering and share in your glorious triumph.  I promise to show my heartfelt gratitude by doing whatever I can to promote your honor and to make you ever more widely known and loved throughout the world, for the greater glory of the Most Holy Trinity.  Amen.

Reflection:

St. Therese had an extreme sensitivity to pain in mind, body and soul.  She said, "It costs dearly to give Jesus what He asks."  Knowing this though, St. Therese refused to allow herself to succumb to her afflictions, but instead "forced" herself to smile when she didn't want to and to physically hold herself back from defending herself or being impatient.  St. Therese said, "At first my looks betrayed my effort; but little by little self-sacrifice seemed to come more easily without hesitation...  When I suffered much... instead of a melancholy look I now answered by a smile.  At first I did not always succeed, but now it is a habit which I am happy to have acquired."  How often are we tempted to make others know of our efforts or inconveniences by our looks or words under our breath?  St. Therese has shown us that if we "force" ourselves to overcome this temptation in the first little instance, it will grow and grow until it becomes a habit and like second nature- to smile when we are grieved- without hesitation!

Prayer:

Dear St. Therese, help me to look for little opportunities to grow in joy in suffering- even by just trying to smile when confronted with a trial.  You said, "I have always forced myself to love suffering and to give it a glad welcome."  Pray for me to be like you and to welcome all sufferings, no matter how small, with a smile.  I also recommend to you my special intentions in this Novena (Specify your intentions.)  To one who has suffered so much for Him, God will refuse nothing.

Our Father....  Hail Mary....  Glory Be....