Day 46 of 80

Sleep on the Heart of Jesus

Counsels·Manuscript C·Darkness & Faith
Context
Written during a retreat, this counsel reveals Thérèse's answer to spiritual darkness: close your eyes and trust the arms that hold you. You cannot see God in the dark, but He is still carrying you. The only sacrifice asked is to stop struggling.

Do not fear to tell Jesus that you love him, even though you may not feel that love. In this way you will compel Him to come to your aid, and to carry you like a little child who is too weak to walk.

It is indeed a great source of trial, when everything looks black, but this does not depend entirely on yourself. Do all in your power to detach your heart from earthly cares, especially from creatures; then be assured Our Lord will do the rest. Should the little one fear the dark of the night, or complain at not seeing Him who carries her, let her shut her eyes. It is the one sacrifice God asks. By remaining thus, the dark will cease to terrify, because she will not see it, and before long, peace--if not joy--will re-enter her soul.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux — Story of a Soul, Counsels (Manuscript C). Taylor translation, 1912 (public domain).
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