In a world where pride is paramount and humility is misunderstood, the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, characterized by the meekness of Our Lord, is a fitting time to better understand what it means to be little.
Imagine the character of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.
Known for her emphasis on being childlike and dependent on God’s providence, she shared how littleness attracts heaven’s graces upon the soul:
“Jesus points out to me the only way which leads to Love’s furnace – that way is self-surrender – it is the confidence of the little child who sleeps without fear in its father’s arms.” - Society of the Little Flower.
Littleness should remind us of the characteristics of a child.
A child is dependent, teachable, and little. A child’s dependence on his or her parents, openness to learning everything from walking to talking, and physical littleness, all attract the care, protection, and undivided attention of the parent.
This, then, should spur us on to learn from little children, whom Our Lord, in Luke 18:16, beckons to come to Him.
What prevents us from being little?
Has our self-sufficiency trained us to figure out life by ourselves? Is there an element of fear in trusting others, and, in turn, God? In what way has our family of origin or upbringing subconsciously influenced the way we solely rely on our own strength?
As we conclude June as the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and begin July, which is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, here is a threefold challenge:
1. Ask God for everything.
Every little thing. At bedtime, ask Him for the grace of restful sleep. Upon rising, ask Him for the gift of a great day, no matter what happens. Through the day, ask Him for the gift of His Presence as you embark on your duties.
Above all, do not be discouraged.
2. Ask God to teach you how to be teachable.
Littleness does not come as second nature. Be encouraged that you will acquire this grace when you ask for it. Ask and you shall receive!
3. Ask God for the grace of adaptability.
It’s so easy for strong willpower to become the enemy of divine littleness. Implore from God the grace of adaptability and attaining uniformity with God’s will, as Saint Alphonsus Liguori so eloquently instructs.
In summary, ask God.
Invite Him into your day’s tasks, even the most mundane. Above all, as 1 Peter 5:7 soothes us, “Cast all your worries on Him because He cares for you.”
Here is a prayer to attain littleness through Saint Thérèse's powerful intercession:
O little St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God. Now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands.
Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to Our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of Heaven 'who smiled on you at the dawn of life.'
Beg her as the Queen of the Heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life.
Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity.