(Optional) Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr
(Ezekiel
2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14)
In today’s
gospel Jesus’ disciples come to him with a childish question. “Who is the greatest…?” they ask. Who is the greatest basketball player of all
time? Who is the greatest philosopher? Greatness has so many facets that it is
impossible to judge its degree in individuals.
Jesus does not answer his disciples’ question. Rather he tells them that God loves the last
in the pecking order of the time –children.
They too have a place in His kingdom.
Both as a
Jew and a Christian, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross knew God’s love. She was born into a pious Jewish family and
became a Christian after reading the works of St. Teresa of Avila. Later she became a Carmelite nun and moved to
Holland. There the Gestapo caught up
with her. She did not resist nor flee
again. Wanting to be one with her native
people and one with Christ on the cross, she was executed at Auschwitz.
We are not
to worry about being the best or better than another. We are to strive to please God in all we
do. At times our call to holiness will
mean sacrificing ourselves like St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross in solidarity
with others. May we embrace the opportunity
as a way to follow Christ.
