In reading the lives of the Saints I was surprised to see that there were certain privileged souls, whom Our Lord favoured from the cradle to the grave, allowing no obstacle in their path which might keep them from mounting towards Him, permitting no sin to soil the spotless brightness of their baptismal robe. Mary Magdalen, and many others, whom He forced, so to speak, to receive His grace. I was filled with wonder when I saw extraordinary favours showered on great sinners like St. I often asked myself why God had preferences, why all souls did not receive an equal measure of grace. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy." 8 8Cf. Paul says: "God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy.
He does not call those who are worthy, but those whom He will. They threw a clear light upon the mystery of my vocation and of my entire life, and above all upon the favours which Our Lord has granted to my soul. Then opening the Gospels, my eyes fell on these words: "Jesus, going up into a mountain, called unto Him whom He would Himself." 6 6 Mark 3:13. As I knelt I begged of that dear Mother to guide my hand, and thus ensure that only what was pleasing to her should find place here. A like favour was granted to Thérèse herself, as will be seen in the course of the narrative. 5 5This statue twice appeared as if endowed with life, in order to enlighten and console Mme.
88:1.īefore setting about my task I knelt before the statue of Our Lady which had given my family so many proofs of Our Heavenly Mother's loving care. I begin therefore to sing what must be my eternal song: "the Mercies of the Lord." 4 4 Ps. When you asked me to write it, I feared the task might unsettle me, but since then Our Lord has deigned to make me understand that by simple obedience I shall please Him best. It is to you, dear Mother, that I am about to confide the story of my soul.
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