Homily for Memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux

Homily for the Memorial of
St. Therese of Lisieux

Oct. 1, 2025
Collect
Luke 9: 57-62
Jeanne Jugan Residence, Bronx

Yesterday’s gospel told us that Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Luke 9: 51), where he’d undergo his passion and then “be taken up,” i.e., raised from the tomb and into heaven.  Today, as he journeys, 3 would-be followers approach him, and of each he demands equal resolution, a total commitment to God’s kingdom.  There will be no creature comforts, no postponement, no person with a higher claim than God.

Little Therese Martin was so resolute in seeking Jesus.  She couldn’t wait to be admitted to the Carmelite cloister in her hometown, following 2 older sisters, and she entered as soon as she was allowed, at age 15.  For the remaining 9 years of her short life, she was Therese of the Child Jesus, and she followed Jesus trustingly and humbly as one of his little ones (collect).  Living simply in her convent, unseen by the world, known only to her Carmelite sisters and her immediate family, she gave herself to God and to the mission of the Church by trying to be the heart of Christ’s mystical body.  She pledged herself to love; unlimited love would be her way of life.

Therese did no extraordinary work except to love and edify her sisters—her “little way” of living for Jesus and like Jesus, doing ordinary chores, recreation, and prayer extraordinarily well.  She said:  “I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul.”  So Jesus bestowed upon her “eternal glory,” whence she now showers her devotees with blessings:  “I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth.”

Jesus desires the same for us.  If our past included greater works—raising a family, managing a household, following a career, traveling the world—those days are past.  Now we live “the monotony of obscure sacrifice,” chatting with friends, enjoying simple meals and simple recreation, perhaps going on a short outing.  Like Therese in her convent, we also pray simply and humbly for the needs of our families and of the Church.  When we do such things with love for God and our companions, we’re walking Therese’s “little way” toward eternal glory with Jesus.