Literature
The Little Way and the Big Impact: Exploring the Faith of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Henri de Lubac
The Little Way: The Spiritual Wisdom of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Among the numerous saints that the Catholic Church honors, one name stands out for its profound wisdom and willingness to live a life of simplicity. St. Therese of the Child Jesus is a remarkable example of how even the smallest actions, done with big love, can make a significant impact. Her teachings, embodied in what she called the 'little way,' are a gentle reminder that holiness can be found in everyday tasks and small gestures.
St. Therese and the 'Little Way'
Reflecting on her spiritual journey, St. Therese famously wrote: "I have no other means of proving my love for you than that of profiting by all the smallest things and doing them through love. Moreover, they are of themselves so simple and so easy that nobody would ever dream of doing them, therefore they are not opposed by our natural ease. This is, therefore, a work of grace in which we can try to show our loving heart." Through her words, St. Therese teaches us that true greatness lies in the simplicity of our actions and the depth of our love for God. It is in the little things that we can see the light of Christ.
Henri de Lubac and Catholicism: A Decision for Fullness and Totality
Another figure who sheds light on the essence of Catholicism is Henri de Lubac. Known as a key figure in Vatican II, de Lubac's insights challenge us to embrace the fullness of Catholic doctrine and not to simplify truth into individualistic or fragmented beliefs. He was a close friend of Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) and John Paul II, and his teachings have influenced countless minds in the Church.
The 'Both-And' of Catholicism
Central to de Lubac's thought is the 'both-and' approach to truth. This perspective embraces two distinct but seemingly contradictory truths in all their strength. For instance, de Lubac champions the idea that grace AND nature, predestination AND free-will, justification from faith AND works, Scripture AND Tradition are not mutually exclusive but coexist within the broader framework of Catholic doctrine. De Lubac asserts that this approach allows us to tackle paradoxes and avoid falling into the extremes of individualism or deterministic thinking, which he believes led to the spread of Marxist-Leninist error in the 19th century.
Quotes from Henri de Lubac
De Lubac's teachings extend beyond theology to the essence of living a Christian life. Here are a few of his wise quotes:
"Life adapts the environment to itself much more than it adapts itself to the environment. It is not a question of adapting Christianity to men but of adapting men to Christ."
This quote challenges us to transform our lives in light of Christ's teachings, rather than conforming to the world's pressures and norms.
"Before it can be adapted in its presentation to the modern generation, Christianity in all necessity must in its essence be itself. And once it is itself, it is close to being adapted. For it is of its essence to be living and always of the time."
De Lubac emphasizes the importance of maintaining the core of Christianity while adapting its presentation to the contemporary era.
"There is, says Ecclesiastes, a time to speak and a time to be silent. There is a time to support a thesis and a time to enhance the complementary thesis. Moreover it would often seem to be necessary to support them both together at the same time."
This quote illustrates the dynamic nature of theology and encourages a balanced approach when presenting different beliefs.
"From the truest truth to the falsest falsehood there is often only one step. It has often been noted quite rightly, but from the noting of that fact to the condemning of certain truths as being dangerously near falsehood there is also one step and that step as well is often taken, this time very wrongly. The fear of falling a prey to error must never prevent us from getting to the full truth."
De Lubac warns against the dangers of intellectual timidity and encourages us to strive for the whole truth, despite the risks.
"What we need is not a stronger, more virile, more heroic, or more efficacious Christianity, what we need is to live our Christianity with more virility, more efficacy, more strength, and if necessary more heroism. Christianity must be given back its strength in our lives, which means first and foremost that we must rediscover it as it is in itself, in its purity and authenticity. It is not a case of adapting it to the fashions of the day, but to let it come into its own again in our souls. We must give our souls back to Christ."
This final quote calls us to a return to the essence of our faith and to embrace its profound verities, setting ourselves apart in our lives.
Conclusion
St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Henri de Lubac both offer unique lenses through which we can understand and live our faith. In a world often besieged by intellectual and moral confusion, their teachings provide a refreshing and inspiring perspective. As St. Therese reminds us, it is the small, loving actions that make a difference; and as de Lubac teaches us, it is in embracing the fullness of truth, even its paradoxes, that we can truly live our Christian lives.