You must believe in the love of Jesus for you. Love calls for love. How do you give Jesus love for love? Before all and above all, by your confidence in Him. This word, confidence, summarizes the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity—sovereign virtues which bring all the others in their train. But if these are the highest virtues, then the greatest heroism is demanded of us in order to realize them in the face of the mystery of a “hidden God.” A man must be heroic to live always in faith, hope, and love. Why? Because, as a result of Original Sin, no one can be certain with the certainty of faith that he is saved, but only with a moral certainty based upon fidelity to grace; and because as sinners we are constantly tempted by doubt and anxiety. It was in order to resolve this conflict between our desires and our powerlessness that Jesus came to earth and took our infirmities upon Himself.
- Fr. Jean d'Elbée, "I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux"
