Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and Doctor of the Church
(Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23; Luke 9:51-56)
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus has been acclaimed far more
illustriously than anyone who knew her would have imagined. She lived most of her life in a small town in
France. The last part she spent in a
Carmel praying night and day. Yet she
has been named the patroness of missionaries, the patroness of France, and a Doctor
of the Church! How did this come about?
Thérèse expressed a desire to be a missionary nun in Hanoi
Vietnam. However, her tuberculosis
condition prohibited her from volunteering herself. Instead, she devoted herself to praying for
missionaries throughout the world. She
tells the story of her inner life in her autobiography, The Story of a
Soul. The book is filled with such
profound spiritual insights that she is considered a Master of Theology. What is more, her life of prayer and
self-sacrifice has made her an exemplar of Christian life.
Thérèse makes us aware of the humbling truth that we too can
become saints. We do not need a degree
in theology, much less to be ordained to live a gospel-centered life as she
did. But we need to pray for the grace
to be humble, patient, and, of course, caring of others.
