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Wednesday 1 October 2025 – Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin & Doctor of the Church
Wednesday 1 October 2025 – Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin & Doctor of the Church
Readings at Mass
•First Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8.
•Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 136(137):1-6 – “O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!”
•Gospel: Luke 9:57-62.
Introduction.
Today we celebrate Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the “Little Flower,” who followed Jesus in the humble “little way” of love and total trust. The readings challenge us to give ourselves fully to God’s mission without excuses or half-measures.
Main Point (Summary)
A true disciple follows Jesus with undivided heart and immediate generosity, letting nothing even good things block the call of God.
(Nehemiah 2:5; Luke 9:62)
Homily / Reflection
In Nehemiah 2:1-8, Nehemiah risks his position to ask the king for permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem. He prays first, then acts decisively. His heart is fully set on God’s work.
In Luke 9:57-62, three would-be disciples meet Jesus. Each wants to follow but with conditions: comfort, family obligations, or farewells. Jesus replies with radical clarity: no place to lay his head, “leave the dead to bury their dead,” and “no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom.” These are not “extra” demands but the very nature of discipleship immediate, trusting, total.
Saint Thérèse lived this by doing small things with great love, never holding back her heart.
Concrete Examples
•When God’s call conflicts with comfortgetting up early to pray, visiting the sick, attending daily Mass we can choose His call first.
•At work or home, we may postpone an act of kindness or forgiveness. The Gospel invites us to act now, not later
Way Forward (Living the Point)
1.Begin each day with a prayer of surrender: “Lord, I am yours today without conditions.”
2.Choose prompt obedience in small things: answer a nudge to help, forgive, or pray immediately.
3.Practice the “little way” of Saint Thérèse: offer every small sacrifice and duty with love, even unnoticed.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you call me to follow you without conditions. Give me a simple and generous heart like that of Saint Thérèse, to respond immediately to your call and to walk each day in your love. Amen.