Homily for the Memorial of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

 

Is 66:10-14c

Ps 131:1-3

Mt 18:1-5

 

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Burkburnett, TX 

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus took a small child and placed him in the midst of the disciples gathered around Him. He taught that the one who welcomes another who is like that child welcomes Him. In the ancient world, a small child had no rights, had no social standing, and was utterly insignificant. The Lord is illustrating how the very least among us have the greatest value in His sight.

          St. Thérèse learned this lesson well. She followed her older sisters into the Carmelite convent, hoping to become a great saint. During her years there Thérèse did nothing extraordinary in the eyes of the world. After her death, the autobiography she left behind took the world by storm. Thérèse had discovered in the plain simple life she lived what she called ‘the little way’ – a path to great holiness. It was a way that anyone could follow, regardless of their station in life. Today’s Psalm could be the foundation for Thérèse’s life: “O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me.” (Ps 131: 1)

Thérèse emphasized simple obedience, rather than mortification of the body. She demonstrated great respect to everyone she encountered, most especially those who made life difficult for her in the convent. Her writings reveal that when Thérèse pondered what her life’s goal was – what plan God had for her life – she found the answer in 1 Corinthians – Love! Thérèse realized that if the place and situation she was in at any moment did not manifest Christian love, her calling was to put it there. What an important lesson for us this morning! Too often we shop around, looking for the ‘perfect parish.’ Instead, when we find deficiencies in our own parish right here, our calling just might be to supply what is lacking.

Let us learn from Thérèse this day that when we show fidelity to our responsibilities of life in ‘the little way’ – doing them with great love, instead of chasing after greatness – we find the way to a great holiness. That door is open wide for each and every one of us today and every day.                   

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Pray for Us!