Father Bonfice's talk on, "The Father's Heart" is so powerful! I talk about the things that stood out to me!

Enjoy!

Final Book Study! Thanks for joining me!

• How does St. Thérèse's experience of spiritual dryness challenge our understanding of faith?
• What does Thérèse teach us about suffering and love?
• Why is her "little way" so powerful in the face of weakness or illness?
• How did Thérèse practice abandonment to God’s will in her final days?
• What role did hope play in her spiritual journey, even amidst deep darkness?
• How can we imitate Thérèse’s trust in God when we face fear, death, or uncertainty?

Here are some reflection questions based on Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, with a focus on how her experiences, spirituality, and teachings can apply to our own lives:

🌱 1. Humility and Simplicity

St. Thérèse embraced the "Little Way" — doing small things with great love.

• In what areas of my life can I practice greater humility and simplicity?
• Do I sometimes overlook small opportunities to love and serve others because they seem insignificant?
• How can I embrace being “little” in a world that values recognition and power?

❤️ 2. Love as the Core of Vocation

She said, “My vocation is love!” and saw love as the heartbeat of all vocations.

• How do I express love in my daily actions, even in difficult or mundane tasks?
• Is love the driving force behind the way I relate to others — family, coworkers, friends?
• How can I better love those who are difficult for me?

🕊️ 3. Trust and Surrender

Thérèse trusted God's mercy more than her own efforts.

• Do I truly trust in God’s love and mercy, even when I fail or feel weak?
• What areas of my life need deeper surrender to God’s will?
• How do I respond when I feel spiritually dry or distant from God?

🛐 4. Hidden Sacrifices and Interior Life

She found great joy in offering hidden sacrifices, unnoticed by others.

• Do I value interior sacrifices and quiet acts of charity, even when no one sees?
• What is one hidden act of love I can offer God today?
• Am I seeking approval from others, or do I offer my actions quietly for God?

💬 5. Acceptance of Weakness and Imperfection

Thérèse accepted her weaknesses as a way to rely more on God.

• How do I view my own weaknesses — with shame or with humility and trust?
• Can I accept my flaws as opportunities to draw closer to God rather than as failures?
• Do I judge others for their imperfections, or do I show compassion?

🌸 6. Childlike Confidence

She had deep, childlike trust in God’s love and providence.

• Do I approach God with the confidence and simplicity of a child?
• What keeps me from surrendering fully to God’s love?
• How can I cultivate greater spiritual childhood — not childishness, but trusting dependence?

📖 Chapter 5 – Entrance into Carmel

Reflection & Journal Questions:

1. Thérèse showed remarkable determination in her desire to enter Carmel at such a young age. Have you ever felt a strong call toward something, even when others didn’t understand it? How did you respond?
2. She traveled to Rome and even approached the Pope to ask for permission to enter religious life. What does this say about her courage and obedience? How do you balance boldness and humility in your own life?
3. What emotions and spiritual insights did Thérèse express about finally being accepted into the convent? Can you relate to a time when a long-awaited dream came true for you?
4. Thérèse entered Carmel with high expectations—what did she begin to learn about the realities of convent life? How does this remind you that even holy dreams involve sacrifice?
5. How does Thérèse’s simple and direct love for Jesus inspire your own prayer life or relationship with God?

📖 Chapter 6 – Life in Carmel

Reflection & Journal Questions:

1. Thérèse describes the daily routines of the convent and the hidden sacrifices she made. What are some “hidden” ways you can show love to others in your daily life?
2. She emphasizes doing small things with great love. Reflect on a recent task or act of kindness you did—how might it have been an offering to God?
3. What interior struggles or dryness in prayer does Thérèse mention? How do you deal with spiritual dryness or seasons where you feel distant from God?
4. Thérèse struggled with the personalities of some sisters, yet she responded with patience and love. Is there someone in your life that God is calling you to love more deeply, even when it’s difficult?
5. Thérèse began to embrace the “Little Way”—loving God by trusting Him like a child. What does spiritual childhood mean to you, and how can you practice it this week?

🌿 How Her Story Relates to Our Lives:

St. Thérèse's story resonates today because it speaks to our desire for purpose, intimacy with God, and peace amidst ordinary struggles. Her "Little Way" teaches us that holiness is not in doing grand things, but in doing small things with immense love. Whether you're navigating family life, a career, school, or inner struggles, Thérèse reminds us that we can find sanctity in the everyday. Her deep trust in God, even through suffering and misunderstanding, models a path of surrender, humility, and joy available to anyone, no matter their circumstances.

This episode focuses on Pauline (Therese's oldest sister leaving for the convent, how difficult that was and how her suffering made her emotionally and physically ill) I talk about the miracle of her healing as well as her first communion experience and confirmation.

Reflection Questions:

• Have I ever felt what Thérèse felt?
• Have I longed for closeness with God the way she did?
• Have I experienced joy, fear, or longing in prayer or sacraments like she describes?

Look at where your journey has had pain or dryness like Thérèse experienced:

• Do you struggle with doubt, scrupulosity, or feeling distant from God?
• How do you handle spiritual disappointment or longing?

• How has my family, community, or upbringing shaped my image of God?
• Are there wounds or blessings from childhood that affect my prayer life?

Thérèse teaches that doing small things with great love matters. Ask:

• What small acts of kindness or sacrifice can I offer to God today?
• Am I trying to be holy through “big” acts, or can I follow Thérèse in humble, quiet faithfulness?

Learn all about my favorite female Saint, St. Therese! This episode talks about her early life....her sensitive nature, the loss of her mother...and how God started drawing her to Himself from her birth. There are reflective questions for you to journal with at the end of each episode.