Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897)
When love takes deep root in the soul, it will also manifest itself outwardly. There is a charming way to decline what we cannot give; a refusal can bring just as much joy as a gift.
It is true that one feels less embarrassed asking for a favor from a sister who is always willing to help. But Jesus said, “Do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Mt 5:42). Therefore, we must not avoid sisters who have the habit of asking for favors under the pretext that we would be forced to refuse them. Nor should we be servile in order to appear so, or in the hope that the sister we assist will return the favor another time. After all, our Lord also said: “If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what reward will you get? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But you ... do good and lend, and expect nothing back. Your reward will be great” (Lk 6:34-35). Yes, the reward will be great, even here on earth... This path costs us much; it’s only the first step.
Lending and not expecting anything back seems harsh to our nature. We would rather give because what is given is no longer ours. Someone comes and tells you very convincingly: “Sister, I need your help for a few hours. But don’t worry, I have permission from our mother, and I will return the time you give me because I know how busy you are.” Indeed, when we know very well that the time we lend will not be returned, we would rather say: “I will give it to you.” This would satisfy our self-love, for giving is a more generous act than lending, and then the sister would feel that we are not counting on her services... How Jesus’s teaching contradicts natural feelings! Without the help of grace, it would be impossible not only to put them into practice, but even to understand them. (AS 223n)
(AS = Autobiographical writings)
