October 3, 2021 twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
We are called to reflect on the gift of child like faith. “Childlike faith is often described as a faith that does not doubt, question, or seek explanations; it just believes.” St. Thérèse of Lisieux is probably one of the best “examples” of childlike faith. St. Thérèse was devoted to Eucharistic adoration and on 26 February 1895, shortly before she died, it is said that she wrote from memory her poetic masterpiece "To Live by Love" which she had composed during Eucharistic adoration.
To Live by Love - St. Thérèse of Lisieux Living on Love is not setting up one’s tent
At the top of Tabor.
It’s climbing Calvary with Jesus,
It’s looking at the Cross as a treasure!
In Heaven I’m to live on joy.
Then trials will have fled forever.
But in exile, in suffering I want
To live on Love.
Living on Love is giving without limit
Without claiming any wages here below.
Ah! I give without counting, truly sure
That when one loves, one does not keep count! . . . Overflowing with tenderness, I have given everything,
To the Divine Heart . . . lightly I run.
I have nothing left but my only wealth:
Living on Love.
Living on Love is banishing every fear,
Every memory of past faults.
I see no imprint of my sins.
In a moment love has burned everything. . . .
Divine Flame, O very sweet Blaze!
I make my home your hearth.
In your fire I gladly sing:
“I live on Love! . . .”
Living on Love is keeping within oneself
A great treasure in an earthen vase.
My Beloved, my weakness is extreme.
Ah, I’m far from being an angel from heaven! . . .
But if I fall with each passing hour,
You come to my aid, lifting me up. At each moment you give me your grace:
I live on love.
Living on Love is imitating Mary,
Bathing your divine feet that she kisses, transported.
With tears, with precious perfume,
She dries them with her long hair. . . .
Then standing up, she shatters the vase,
And in turn she anoints your sweet Face.
As for me, the perfume with which I anoint your Face
Is my Love! . . .
Let us pray for the grace to have child like trust, in order that we too may “Live by Love.”