Feast of St Therese, the Little Flower.

"An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.  Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side  and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."  (Luke 9: 46 - 48).

October 1st is the feast of St Therese of Lisieux, also called St Therese of the Child Jesus. She is indeed the little child of Jesus. She entered Carmel at the age of 15 and died at the age of 24.  Although she had no formal academic degrees, Therese is one of the 35 Doctors of the Church. How and why? The Lord Jesus taught Therese Himself, tested her by rigorous examinations and at the end conferred the Doctorate on her.  Who dare question the authority of Jesus?

"The Lord led her and taught her, and kept her as the apple of his eye. Like an eagle spreading its wings he took her up and bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her guide."  (Cf Deuteronomy 32: 10 - 12).

In the Liturgy celebrating her life today, the Church proclaims with astonishment the wonders that God wrought in the Little Flower. (Cf Offertory Prayer).

"Thus says the Lord:
Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."  (Matthew 18: 3).

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