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JMJ
"It is to God alone that all value must be attributed; there's nothing of value in my little nothingness." (St. Therese)
When reading a beautiful novel it is natural that one is drawn to the more noble characters portrayed. Perhaps comical or insidious personalities may amuse but the heroic ones often leave the most indelible impression. It is not so much the courageous deeds themselves that inspire; rather, it is the inconspicuous manner in which they are performed that gives pause for reflection. So too, when one studies the living nobility, i.e. the saints, he discovers the great paradox that their most salient attribute is the very hiddenness their hearts embraced.
They not only eschewed worldly honors but legitimate praises from peers as well. They fought the temptation to enumerate the day's accomplishments to others, and were satisfied to serve unpretentiously. Certainly, they did not feign false humility by disavowing a deed done, but the saints also did not cleverly lead others to the discovery of their labors either. Truly, to be detached from accolades, even trifling ones, is an arduous discipline for few do not crave the attention of others. Yet, it is imperative to pray for the desire for- not simply humility- but hiddenness. And in accepting the sacrifice of silence, one can more easily draw near to the hidden Christ, learning, like St. Therese, that "love lives only by sacrifice."
