God’s Love Isn’t Earned. Here’s Why That Changes Everything with Sts Claude de la Colombière, Charles de Foucauld & St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Dilexit Nos Read-Aloud Part 11 with friends of SmartCatholics
Hey friends, we’re back together again after the passing of Pope Francis. This moment feels both heavy and hopeful. We opened up our conversation reflecting on the shift in the Church—Pope Leo XIV is now our Holy Father, and we’re curious and prayerful about what’s ahead.
This is a space to read, to reflect, and to just stay close to the heart of Christ as we figure out where we go from here.
Father Matthew shared how Leo XIV choosing the name Leo signals a continuation from Pope Leo XIII, especially with Catholic social teaching. Karen jumped in with her joy that he’s a missionary pope with an Augustinian background.
Today’s section was number 125, focused on St. Claude de la Colombière. He talks about confidence, but not the kind we build ourselves up with. It’s the kind that lets go of fear, of needing to earn anything.
Father Matthew reflected on how many people grow up feeling they have to earn love, whether from parents or even from God. And that’s not how this works. God’s love is constant. It’s not about what you’ve done or failed to do. That unconditional love changes everything.
We also touched on how other spiritual traditions, like Buddhism, speak about detachment and peace. But what’s different in our faith is that it’s not just about inner peace—it’s about a relationship. A face. Someone who loves you and invites you in.
Then we moved to Charles de Foucauld. His story is incredible. He consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart, and took on the name "Heart of Jesus" as a hermit. This wasn’t about checking out from life—it was about radical presence. Living simply, with love and compassion. Being with others in their reality, especially the poor.
Next, we read about St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Her relationship with Jesus was so personal, so tender. She didn’t see the Sacred Heart as something distant or untouchable. For her, it was close and full of mercy.
“If I had committed all possible crimes, I would still have the same confidence.” - St Thérèse
That’s how safe she felt with Jesus.
Father Matthew made a great point about how we can slip into legalism—needing rules, steps, certainty. But Jesus came to fulfill the law through love. It’s not a checklist. It’s a relationship. And in saints like Thérèse, you see that so clearly.
Karen shared her own story too—coming into the Church as a convert and sometimes feeling like her journey didn’t fit neatly. And yet, here was this invitation to simply rest in God’s love. That was powerful.
As we wrapped up, we talked about the idea of continuing these conversations regularly. Not just reading encyclicals or watching headlines, but really listening—to what the Holy Father says, and to how the Spirit is moving. It’s easy to get swept up in online debates, but what if we just try to follow this new Holy Father and learn from him?
To be students of the Sacred Heart.