St. Therese of Lisieux - Autobiography, Story of a Soul

"I  often asked myself why God had preferences, why all souls did not   receive an equal measure of grace. I was filled with wonder when I saw   extraordinary favors showered on great sinners like St. Paul, St.   Augustine, St. Mary Magdalen, and many others, whom He forced, so to   speak, to receive His grace. In reading the lives of the Saints I was   surprised to see that there were certain privileged souls, whom Our Lord   favoured from the cradle to the grave, allowing no obstacle in their   path which might keep them from mounting towards Him, permitting no sin   to soil the spotless brightness of their baptismal robe. And again it   puzzled me why so many poor savages should die without having even heard   the name of God."

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St Therese of Lisieux - Letters

"DEAREST  CÉLINE, - There are moments when I wonder whether I am really  and truly  in the Carmel; sometimes I can scarcely believe it. What have  I done  for God that He should shower so many graces upon me?
A whole  month has passed since we parted; but why do I say parted? Even  were the  wide ocean between us, our souls would remain as one. And yet  I know  that not to have me is real suffering, and if I listened to  myself I  should ask Jesus to let me bear the sadness in your stead! I  do not  listen, as you see; I should be afraid of being selfish in  wishing for  myself the better part – I mean the suffering. You are  right – life is  often burdensome and bitter. It is painful to begin a  day of toil,  especially when Jesus hides Himself from our love. What is  this sweet  Friend about? Does He not see our anguish and the burden  that weighs us  down? Why does He not come and
comfort us?"

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St Therese of Lisieux - Counsels and Reminiscences

One of the novices, greatly discouraged at the thought of her imperfections, tells us that her mistress spoke to her as follows:
“  You make me think of a little child that is learning to stand but  does  not yet know how to walk. In his desire to reach the top of the  stairs  to find his mother, he lifts
his little foot to climb the first stair. It is all in vain, and at each renewed effort he falls.
Well,  be like that little child. Always keep lifting your foot to climb  the  ladder of holiness, and do not imagine that you can mount even the  first  step. All God asks of you is good will. From the top of the  ladder He  looks lovingly upon you, and soon, touched by your fruitless  efforts, He  will Himself come down, and, taking you in His arms, will  carry you to  His Kingdom never again to leave Him. But should you cease  to raise your  foot, you will be left for long on the earth."

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