Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27
STORY
Therese of Lisieux was a sensitive nineteenth-century French girl who was raised in an atmosphere of Catholic piety. On April 9, 1888, she joined the Carmelites a strict monostatic order, who adherents did not wear shoes. After she died at the age of twenty-four from tuberculosis, her writings became well-known, radiating her desire to know Christ and be like him. Because of her piety she is known as the “Little Flower of Jesus.” In her autobiography she wrote: I applied myself especially to little virtues, not having the facility to perform great ones.
DEVOTION
We often think of discipleship as big and bold acts, when truly the most meaningful service we can provide in the name of Jesus are often “little virtues.” It can be as simple as smile or more intense as sitting bedside with a friend in distress.
I acknowledge small virtuous acts of others. Whenever I receive a kindness, however small, such as a stranger holding a door for me, I always say “you must be a Christian.” Inevitably the individual answers affirmatively. We can spread Christian joy with small acts of kindness. This doesn’t discount large and all-consuming Christian commitments, though it does substantiate that the everyday can thunder forth the presence of Jesus in the life of another.
Be aware. Be attentive. Be alert.
There are so many little indiscriminate ways that you can be a gospel witness.
Lydia Childs was an author, editor, abolitionist, and advocate for the rights of women and Native Americans. She wrote novels and stories that addressed, from a more or less Christian perspective, such topics as the treatment of women in a male-dominated society and the cruel nature of slavery.
For a part of her life she lived in New York with the family of the Quaker anti-slavery crusader Isaac T. Hopper, to edit the Anti-Slavery Standard. From there she wrote to her friend Mrs. E. C. Pierce on May27, 1841. In that letter she asked: What do I care whether you live in one room or six? I want to know what your spirit is doing.
One room or six.
Not important.
What is your spirit doing?