Little Flower Novena Day 4

Thérèse longed to love God and help save souls—but leaving home wasn’t easy. Like all of us, she felt the pull of comfort, family, and familiar joys. These were not sinful things—they were gifts. But even good things can become obstacles when they begin to compete with the call of Christ. Thérèse’s heart was set on something higher. She knew that the peace of Carmel would not be the peace of ease, but the peace of surrender. With deep sorrow and greater love, she said goodbye to everything she knew, choosing the cloister over comfort, silence over celebration, and sacrifice over security. She gave up all things—for Him. In our own lives, we often wrestle with the same tension: the desire to enjoy the blessings of this world while also yearning for the eternal. Thérèse teaches us that holiness is not found in rejecting the material world outright, but in holding it loosely. She did not despise the comforts of home—she simply loved Christ more. Her “Little Way” is not about grand gestures, but about daily choices: choosing humility over pride, simplicity over excess, and love over self. It’s about letting go of what we cling to, so our hands are free to receive grace. Today, let us ask: What comforts do I cling to? What good things might I be called to surrender—not because they are bad, but because Christ is better? St. Thérèse, teach us to walk your Little Way. Help us to love Jesus more than anything else, and to find joy in giving all for Him. . In her honor, we say: Sign of the Cross St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, please pick a rose from the heavenly garden and send it to us with a message of love. We ask you to obtain the favors that we seek: (state your intention or hold it in your heart) We ask that you, St. Therese of Lisieux, recommend our requests to Mary, Queen of Heaven, so that she may intercede for us, with you before her Son, Jesus Christ. As these favors are granted, we will love you more and more, and be better prepared to spend eternal happiness with you in Heaven. St. Therese of the Little Flower, pray for us. Sign of the Cross