Saints and Symbols
Subject:
Saints and symbols are companions and inspirations in a life of love!
Therese of Lisieux
While I hold close several saints, none is closer than Thérèse of Lisieux, whose life of genuine affection, little acts of self-sacrifice, and delight in Jesus has given me inspiration and new appreciation for a life lived abandoned to the Merciful Love of God. It was in large part through the writings of Therese that I discovered the depth of the contemplative life and the beauty of the Catholic church.
“I assure you that God is much better than you believe. He is content with a glance, a sigh of love… As for me, I find perfection very easy to practice because I have understood it is a matter of taking hold of Jesus by his heart…” —Thérèse, Letter 191 to Léonie
Symbols and Venerations
The Sacred Heart: A 1-page reflection on Christ’s Sacred Heart, and the symbolism of the Flame, Thorns, Cross, Blood, Heart, and Light.
The Body of Christ: A 1-page reflection on the Mystical Body of Christ, and the symbolism of its physical components of Flesh, Blood, and Water.
Contemplative Book/Resource Recommendations
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by brother Jacques Phillipe (Internet Archive)
The Story of a Soul by Therese of Lisieux
The Way of the Heart by Henri Nowen
The Cloud of Unknowing
Anything by John of the Cross or Teresa of Avila or any of the Carmelites really :)
Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson
Great lovers…
The saints are those who have become masters of the art of love. The Church recognizes certain individuals in particular, who though having passed from this world, can be for us teachers, role-models, and even friends along our spiritual travels.
When we understand what “love” really means, the word “saint” is synonymous with “great lover.” I have discovered several “great lovers” — or at times it seems, they discovered me — and my relationship with them, while mediated through texts, stories, and the passage of time, has helped me to better receive the love of God and give this love to others.
