The Memorial of St Therese of Lisieux

Job 42:1-3.5-6.12-17, Lk. 10:17-24. In today's first reading, Job feels that his end may be near. After a long moment of suffering and bitterness, God restores everything taken away from Job. In a similar way, Jesus sends His disciples out with no baggage or provisions, to spread the word that the reign of God is at hand when He came to the end of His ministry. In poor and long-suffering, Job ceased to justify himself and reaches out for the mercy of God. Jesus announces that our lives can only be fulfilled when we accept the gracious rule of God. It is “at hand” in the sense that it had already began and each of us has a part to play in bringing our world closer to the ideals of Jesus. Job is faced with a once-in-a-lifetime ordeal, yet, God was so close to him in his unfortunate circumstances.

The presence of God is with us at every step of our journey. The story of our life is not “carved with a chisel” as requested by Job, but written in the Book of Life, in the mind of God. Jesus tells His disciples that regardless of the reception they receive from a particular town, they are to spread His message: “The reign of God is very near.” Irrespective of the acceptance of the Gospel message, God remains very near to us. The living God is present, His love is close at hand. In spite of the difficulties she encountered in her earlier days, St Therese inspired many people by her virtuous life and was renowned for her ‘Little Way’. St Therese of Lisieux, also known as St Therese of Child Jesus and as the ‘Little Flower of Carmel’, was a Discalced Carmelite nun who has been very popular during her life.

May the Lord help us to travel the path of faith with the assurance that God will provide all we truly need! Amen!! Keep safe and happy weekend!!!