Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart: Lessons in Holiness and Evangelization from St. Thérèse of Lisieux

by Susan Muto, Mike Aquilina (Foreword)

St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” has been embraced by people of all walks of life. In Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart, author Susan Muto explores twelve facets of St. Thérèse’s simple spiritual path as a way to personal holiness and the secret to being a powerful witness to Christ in the world today. Though she lived only to the age of twenty-four and spent almost her entire life at her family home and in the Carmelite convent, St. Thérèse of Lisieux displayed a love for Jesus and a passion for his gospel that have made her the patroness of the missions. The “Little Flower’s” humility and childlike trust are still powerful examples of how ordinary people can grow closer to Jesus and respond to Pope Francis’s call for a new evangelization. The calls to holiness and to witness to Christ can seem daunting, but as Susan Muto—renowned speaker and expert on Carmelite spirituality—explains, Thérèse shows us that they are neither difficult nor dramatic. The Little Way can be lived by any of us, even with what Thérèse called the “ministry of the smile.” With deep insight and warm personal devotion, Muto explains the Little Way and will help you put twelve dimensions of it into practice, drawing others to Christ by living a simple, joyful life. These twelve ways, derived from the example of Thérèse, to love the hidden lifeAppreciate what a treasure the ordinary isTrust in Divine Mercy as little children doReceive the sacraments devoutly day after dayAbandon yourself to Father, Son, and Holy SpiritFoster friendship with God and othersTake up your cross and follow JesusPray unceasinglySimplify your lifeLet God free you to be your best selfCommit yourself—body, mind, and spirit—to living the GospelLeave a legacy of evangelical virtues others want to cultivate Muto features short quotations from the saint’s autobiography, poetry, letters, and prayers, as well as perceptive reflection questions and personal prayers to show how imitating Thérèse can make us a powerful force of love. Muto also offers practical spiritual advice for those who want to deepen their faith and are attracted to the simplicity of St. Thérèse’s Little Way.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2016

Reviews

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do find a pure heart behind this book and some parts of it are touching and enriching, as a whole the work did not touch my heart. I feel that the authoress rationalizes and explains too much, which does not hand in hand with the simplicity and pureness of the heart of Therese´s life works. But maybe it is simply me, that I myself do not resonate with the book - which does not mean the others will not!

[PleasePassThePepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m grateful for having read this book

While the writer has conveyed the message of love, being loved and devoted, I am feeling that message. Feeling loved as my faith grows stronger is a powerful emotional experience. I thank the author(s) and my book club for this gift.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

the questions were rather difficult....