St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Readings
Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23
Luke 9:51-56
Reflection
I am reminded in today’s gospel of the simple but profound life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux whose feast day is celebrated today worldwide. In the Gospel, when Jesus and His disciples are rejected by a Samaritan village, James and John want to call down fire from heaven in anger. But Jesus rebukes them, teaching that His mission is not about punishment but about patience and compassion. Even in the face of rejection, He shows us how to respond with love instead of hostility.
This lesson is beautifully lived out in the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Known for her “little way,” Thérèse embraced the simplicity of doing small things with great love. She faced her own challenges and rejections but always chose to respond with kindness and humility. Rather than holding onto resentment or anger, Thérèse believed in offering every difficulty with love, uniting herself to Christ’s merciful heart.
Both the Gospel and Thérèse’s life speak to our own struggles. It’s easy to want to strike back when we feel hurt or rejected, cast down hellfire, but Jesus and St. Thérèse show us a different way. They invite us to respond with grace, trusting that love is always the better path. St. Thérèse’s life reminds us that even in the smallest moments, we can reflect Christ’s mercy and transform our everyday experiences into acts of love.
Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.