In these days of great stress on adult autonomy and the freedom of the individual it seems somewhat embarrassing to be asked to become little children as the admission price to the Kingdom of Heaven. However, a look at reality will quickly lessen our embarrassment. For quite a few years a child is dependent for its very life on the care of others. Totally on its own a child dies. That's all.

Similarly, totally on his or her own, the most gifted, the most confident, the most efficient man or woman cannot live the moral life necessary for entry to the Kingdom. Undoubtedly human effort is required but the stark fact remains that the human being without the grace of God is as endangered on the road to eternal life as is the deserted child on the road to even minimal earthly life.

St. Teresa of Lisieux realized this truth and her way of prayer reflects her realization. Teresa believed that the prayer of the competent at the top of Mount Carmel was not for her. She prayed because she had to. She prayed desperately the prayer of the incompetent, the payer of the sinner at the foot of Mount Carmel. That such a great "little" saint should pray like a child begging for help is a consolation for us.