St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) died very young, at 24. She was fondly remembered as the "Little Flower" of Jesus. She did not go on any mission. Yet she was one of the patron saints of the missionaries. Like many other saints, she was able to offer up her life, in many little ways, for the love of Jesus. Her short life inspires and encourages generations of Catholics because from her examples, saintly life is accessible to ordinary people. Her life is a song, Psalm 131.
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and for evermore (Psalm 131:1-3).
When one takes up a new position, who does not have any ambitious expectations? Who does not have any renovative plans to heal the present ills?
When one takes up authority, who does not want more power in order to get things done according to one's way?
Many of my ex-bosses could not wait to push forth their ambitions, to make changes without examining carefully the ethos of the situation. Some have been successful while others not.
Nobody is born an expert administrator. Neither was St. Therese. But she was successful because she had found, in her "little ways", the favour of God and the love of the people. Therefore, if anyone wants to author yet another business leadership book in the footstep of Jesus CEO (1996) or Moses CEO (1999), St. Therese of Lisieux CEO is probably a good choice. In many little ways, not conspicuous gestures, she was able to overcome big obstacles, like water eroding hard rocks. There is wisdom in her little ways which demands patience and stillness.
My dear Advocate, You favour the little ways of St. Therese. Probably this is the ways You prefer to work. Pray this we follow her example and are able to obtain the fruit of salvation. Amen.
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