Mercy and the Poetry of St. Thérèse

You all know Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, but how many of you know her poetry? If it has, up until now, slipped through your fingers, I hope this article may be an introduction to the spiritual masterpieces that are her poetry. Before I begin however, I wish to reinforce the point that Saint Thérèse is a spiritual genius whose theology, even though audacious at times, is recognized and validated by the Church. It is in the solidity of this doctrine that we may analyze the following poem:

Arguably the most beautiful of all her poems, “Si j’avais commis tout les crimes” encompasses all of the Thérèsean spirituality. This poem starts with the lines :

If I had committed all the possible crimes.

I would always keep the same confidence. 

Because I know well that this myriad of offenses. 

Is only but a drop of water in a blazing furnace.

See the trusting confidence with which Thérèse affirms God’s saving powers and mercy. There is no question of conditional love, or “too far for grace to reach.” No, she knows that God is a blazing furnace, which, if we would just come to Him, will cleanse us. Cleanse, not consume. Indeed, she does not state herself to be the drop of water, merely her offenses. This reference to the burning yet unconsuming nature of God, made known on Mount Sinai, shows God’s infinite mercy which burns our sin but does not consume us with it. With this she continues:

Yes, I need a heart, all burning of tenderness. 

Who is my support, and without any return

Who loves all in me, and even my feebleness

And does not leave me, neither day nor night.

This heart burning with tenderness is none other than Jesus’s Sacred Heart, which is omnipresent. Not only with us every step of the way, but supporting us, too. Jesus is our guide and support along this journey of life. A guide who knows each of us intimately, and not despite our littleness, but rather because of it. Indeed, Christ says “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 18:2-5). 

I have been unable to find any other creature 

who has loved me to this extent and without ever dying. 

For I need a God who takes my nature,

Who becomes my brother, and who can suffer.

These lines are only too relevant as we continue the Easter season. How many times do the disciples fall short of the concept of a suffering Messiah? How many lose faith and hope in Christ at the moment of His last breath? Yet Saint Thérèse requires this of a loving God. After all, love is best proven through action, and “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15:13). Thus St. Thérèse finds the fulfillment of God’s love in the Passion. As to her love for Him, it is best found in His humanity. By becoming man, God comes down to us, making Himself known and accessible. He does not disdain our feebleness, no, He sees in it an occasion to pour out His mercy.  On this note, I must conclude my analysis. I lament having to cut my explanations short, since I rarely take the time as I ought to properly analyze these poems, and there is so much more wonder to be uncovered. But I rest assured knowing that, St. Thérèse’s words will do a much better job than I ever could, and with that I leave you with the end of her poem:

I know all too well that all of our justices. 

Have in your site not the least value,

And to and so as to give a price to all my sacrifice,

Yes, I want to through them into your Divine Heart.

No, You have not found a creature without sin,

In the mists of lighting, You gave us Your law,

And in your Sacred Heart, O Jesus I hide 

No, I do not tremble for you are my Virtue