Such an exciting event when people gather for the Holy
Mass and other festivities honoring the Oct. 1 feast of St. Therese of the
Child Jesus. Many too eagerly expect the visit of her relics to the
Philippines around the earlier part of year 2013, in various parts of the
Phillipine Islands. Such a humble and simple life of barely 24 years
(1873-1897)!
Yet the depth of her life, teachings and writings has
catapulted her to titles totally unexpected by her in such short and childlike
life. Her teachings, however, on the way of spiritual childhood have
touched a chord in an important aspect of our Lord’s indispensable message of
humility, which He repeats in the 3 synoptic gospels (Mt., Mk., Lk.).
Well no wonder the Lord repeats it several times because it is so important for
happiness and perfection in our quest for the spiritual life. “I tell you
solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it” (Lk. 18:17; Mt. 18:2; Mk. 10:15).
If St. Therese of Lisieux has become such a popular
modern saint because of her miracles and teachings and the additional spiritual
titles of Mystic, Discalced Carmelite, Patroness of Mission, and Doctor of the
Church, titles usually given to much older saints, we can just wonder and
admire her veritable qualities and keep in mind always the truth of the Lord’s
own words: “Anyone who humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt. 23:12; Lk. 14:11;
Lk. 18:14).
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