“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”

[I wish t]o avoid as much as possible speaking of myself, my troubles, my illnesses, and especially of the graces received from God. Breaches of trust and tactless speech easily lead to pride or to an egotistical self-absorption. . . . To depart from this [resolve] only in those rare cases when the good of another truly seems to demand it or when a real need for helping another or [need] of counsel presents itself. Even then, to speak of myself truthfully and simply, without affectation or a covert desire for praise. . . .
Not only in fulfilling my responsibilities to everyone, not only in charitable work, not only in prayer, but in my whole attitude and way of life. Great and holy ideas and deep convictions often influence others only through the attractiveness of those who embody them. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matt 7:16), our Savior said—by the fruits of devotion, charity, and radiant faith, and also by those blossoms that first attract notice and precede the fruit; those are called tender love, graciousness, . . . serenity, equanimity, friendliness, joy, and simplicity. A truly holy person . . . without ever speaking, exudes the delicate perfume of these flowers. Such a person attracts others by her gentle influence and prepares them for God’s approach, which she eventually obtains for them through her prayers.

Elisabeth Leseur, Selected Writings

Elisabeth Leseur (1866–1914) was a devout Catholic who offered her life for the conversion of her husband, a determined atheist. After her death, he edited and published her spiritual writings and went on to become a Dominican priest.