HIDT8 – Conference 8 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts



Conference 8 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher recounts St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s compassionate outreach to Sister Maria of St. Joseph, a troubled nun often avoided by her community due to severe mood swings and emotional instability. Instead of joining in the avoidance, Thérèse intentionally sought her out, offering to assist in the linen room and patiently enduring her anger, all as a way of living her “casting flowers” spirituality—small acts of love and sacrifice offered to Jesus, who transforms them into blessings for the whole Church. While her words to the sister may sound poetic, Fr. Gallagher explains that beneath the tender imagery lies a steely, deliberate charity rooted in perseverance, humility, and the conviction that every small offering—especially in difficult relationships—has immense spiritual value when united to Christ.

Fr. Gallagher also reflects on Thérèse’s own explanation of “casting flowers” from Story of a Soul: never letting a single opportunity for love pass by, whether in smiles, patient endurance, or unnoticed sacrifices, and trusting Jesus to use them for the good of souls in purgatory and the Church on earth. The episode concludes with letters from Thérèse’s sister Léonie, showing how the Little Way shaped her own life. By the time of her final profession and even five weeks before her death, Léonie radiated the same trust, gratitude, and spiritual confidence, fully convinced that her littleness would lead her straight into the arms of Jesus.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How can I respond with intentional love to those in my life who are difficult to be around?
2. When have I missed opportunities to offer small acts of kindness, and how can I be more attentive to them?
3. Do I truly believe that my smallest sacrifices, united to Jesus, have value for the whole Church?
4. In what ways am I tempted to avoid people who are isolated or struggling, and how might God be calling me to draw closer?
5. How do I practice perseverance in love when my efforts are met with ingratitude or rejection?
6. Can I see my own “littleness” as a path to greater trust in God, as Thérèse and Léonie did?
7. What “flowers” — daily acts of love — can I consciously offer to Jesus this week?

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 15 different podcasts series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?  Visit here to discover more!

Fr. Gallagher obtained his doctorate in 1983 from Gregorian University. He has taught (St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA; Our Lady of Grace Seminary Residence, Boston, MA), assisted in formation work for twelve years, and served two terms as provincial in his own community. He has dedicated many years to an extensive ministry of retreats, spiritual direction, and teaching about the spiritual life. Fr. Gallagher is the author of six books (Crossroad) on the spiritual teaching of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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