Quote of the day, 30 September: Conrad de Meester, o.c.d.

“In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you with empty hands.”

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Prayer 6

Empty hands, yes… but hands open to God. “When I appear before my Beloved Spouse, I shall have only my desires to offer him” (Letter 218 to Brother Simeon).

Thérèse’s last breath came with her last words: ‘My God, I love you.’

This was the supreme moment. Now she was to meet the Lord face-to-face. Now love had taken full possession of her being.

This was love as deep as the ocean and more radiant than the sun. This was life and joy immeasurable: unending life with Mary and with all the saints in Heaven; eternal life with God who is all in all.

Hope had finally done its work.

Conrad de Meester, o.c.d.

Chapter 8, My God, I Love You

de Meester, C 2002, With Empty Hands: The Message of St. Therese of Lisieux, translated from the French by Seymour, M, ICS Publications, Washington DC.