Friday.blog
The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 1, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Therese of Lisieux, religious, doctor of the Church
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Job 38:1,12-21; 40:3-5
Psalm 139:1-3,7-10,13-14
Luke 10:13-16
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In today's first reading, Job asks for an interview with God. Finally, after several attempts, his request is granted from the great God of the Universe. It is remarkable that God gives his full attention to this miserable man on a dungheap! God's questions to Job reduce him to silence. After all, what other alternative is there if one is to remain a humble creature, respectful and controlled before the overwhelming power of the God of storms and wind? It is to Job's credit that he is silent. His humility saves him. He becomes like a little child.
Today's feast of the Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux, shows us a modern-day Job, a truly humble and patient sufferer whose childlike-faith has inspired millions. She, like Job, is one of the just, whose suffering seems all the more tragic because of her innocent love. And there is the core of the contrast between Therese and Job. While his journey to acceptance of the mystery of suffering is through reason and dialogue, Therese progresses to perfection through her great love for Jesus. It is her love which leads to acceptance, purifying her impetuous and headstrong nature through suffering. Her love grows through weakness, strengthening her soul. Love has created a masterpiece, a wise woman, powerful in virtue beyond description.
We honor both Job and Therese today, ironically called the saint of the Little Way. We beg her to shower on us a sweet-smelling rose that will help strengthen our resolve to accept our sufferings from pure love of Jesus.
- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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