Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Today is the great feast day of one of the greatest missionaries who never set foot outside her convent! St. Therese of the Child Jesus wanted to be a missionary but knew that, with her health, the Lord was not calling her to do this. Our Lord said in the gospel today, which is very fitting for the Little Flower, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.”
Therese knew that the mission that God wanted to give her was the mission of love. She is still spreading that love today, as she predicted before she died. In what way can you spread love and be a missionary for love? Love is what this world is starving for. Be a missionary, even if it is through prayer, but with great love.
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections