Identifying the main things in life and keeping them the main things is essential in a distracted world. Among these main things is humble confidence in God. We have a Pope who is an evangelist keen to put this main thing across. Pope Francis’s booklet ‘C’est la Confiance’ is a ‘tour de force’ putting into our hands a forty minute read presenting the teaching of St Thérèse of Lisiuex (1873-1897) which speaks eloquently of the empowerment gained in life through humble confidence in God. This small booklet will grip many a reader and challenge their discipleship or lack of it towards the enrichment gained in leaning upon God’s merciful love.
On confidence in the merciful love of God for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face
Catholic Truth Society 2023 £3.95 ISBN 9781784697761 44pp
Identifying the main things in life and keeping them the main things is essential in a distracted world. Among the main things in life is Christianity, if people can see it, and its core aspect of humble confidence in God. We have a Pope who is an evangelist keen to put this main thing across. Pope Francis’s booklet ‘C’est la Confiance’ is a ‘tour de force’ putting into our hands a forty minute read presenting the teaching of St Thérèse of Lisiuex (1873-1897) in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of her birth. Her short life as a Carmelite nun became extraordinary with the publication of her writings which speak eloquently of the empowerment gained in life through humble confidence in God.
I liked the story of the heart she developed towards unrepentant triple murderer Henri Pranzini. Her fervent intercession for his salvation seemed to be answered as he kissed the crucifix on his way up to be guillotined in 1887. ‘In an age that urges us to focus on ourselves and on our own interests, Thérèse shows us the beauty of making our lives a gift… in an age of individualism, she makes us discover the value of a love that becomes intercession for others… at a time when human beings are obsessed with grandeur and new forms of power, she points out to us the little way… at a time of great complexity… the importance of simplicity, the absolute primacy of love, trust and abandonment’.
Amidst all the challenges denting Christian confidence – atheism, relativism and cynicism – this booklet invites Christians to a bolder concentration on essentials, ‘what is most beautiful, grand appealing and necessary… the saving love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ’ and our becoming better instruments of that love. Pope Francis affirms with Thérèse, ‘the sin of the world is great but not infinite, whereas the merciful love of the Redeemer is indeed infinite’. As we welcome that love we engage in more fervent desire for heaven alongside ‘a constant, burning desire for the good of all’. This culminates with the aspiration of Thérèse to continue in heaven the mission of loving Jesus and making him loved on earth after our passing.
On many fronts Pope Francis is keen to complement the analytical contribution of historic theology with a bold synthetic approach reminding us of things that are currently urgent and foundational for the Christian life. With his heroine, he sees the centre of Christian morality as charity, works of love directed towards one’s neighbour. ‘In the end, only love counts’. This small booklet will grip many a reader and challenge their discipleship or lack of it towards the enrichment gained in leaning upon God’s merciful love.
John Twisleton 11 July 2024
