Location: St. Joseph’s Chapel
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ; today, on the Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, we hear in the readings about deep suffering and the ultimate call to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems incomprehensible. Job, in our first reading, expresses the anguish of someone whose life has become unbearable. He cries out in despair, questioning the very purpose of his existence. Like Job, we too, in moments of pain, may be tempted to ask, “Why, Lord?” when everything seems to go wrong. But it is in these moments – when life appears darkest – that God invites us to hold onto faith, beginning with turning our gaze to His Son hanging on the Cross.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ disciples, James and John, react with anger when a Samaritan village refuses to welcome them. Their human intuition suggests to retaliate, to call down fire from heaven. But Jesus rebukes them, reminding them that his mission is not one of destruction, but of salvation, of healing, of peace.
These themes of suffering, trust, and mercy resonate profoundly with the life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Known as the “Little Flower,” Saint Thérèse lived a simple, hidden life in the Carmelite convent, yet her profound trust in God and her “little way” of love have made her one of the most beloved saints in the Church. Even as she faced immense inner suffering, doubts, and physical illness, Thérèse chose to respond with love and trust in God’s mercy, even when she felt abandoned.
Like Job, Thérèse experienced moments of spiritual darkness. Yet, instead of turning away from God, she leaned into her faith, convinced that even in suffering, God was at work, purifying her soul and leading her toward eternal joy. She teaches us that holiness is not about grand gestures, but about doing small things with great love, even in the midst of trials.
Pope Francis reminds us that (quote) “difficulties and trials are part of the path that leads to God’s glory, just as they were for Jesus, who was glorified on the cross; we will always encounter them in life! Do not be discouraged! We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome these trials!” (end of quote). Jesus calls us, as he called his disciples, to a higher path – one that moves beyond retaliation and anger, and instead reflects the mercy of God. Saint Thérèse embraced this with all her heart, offering up her sufferings and trusting that God’s love would carry her through.
As we celebrate her Memorial today, let us ask for her intercession, that we too may trust in God’s plan, love in the small things, and find peace, even in the midst of suffering. And may we often experience the comfort of feeling the constant protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe.