October 1, 2026 //Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 10:1-12

Reflect on the Word // 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the little French town of Lisieux. My three daughters, mother, and I rented a car in Paris and made our way northwest through the countryside. Of course, it was all just as you would expect in terms of magical, sacred, and memorable. But what struck me the most was not the grandeur of the cathedral, or the misty woodlands that surely inspired much contemplation and prayer for young Thérèse. What struck me was simply how small it all was. From her childhood home, you can see the cathedral built in her honor, and directly next to the cathedral, is the Carmelite cloistered monastery she called home during her short adult life. It could all probably fit inside of a few big city blocks.

Yet, there it was, this giant of the faith, a Doctor of the Church, clearly called and clearly sent (see Luke 10:2)—to where? To her own backyard, essentially. There she was to contemplate, pray, and record her interior thoughts and longings, dying quite young, all right there, in this little town. To any unknowing eye, this all looks like . . . not much. But we now know how massive a life hers was. In her own little way, in the way God chose, she would change the world, while actually never really going anywhere.

How appropriate today’s Gospel is for her. What an example of how to respond to the call of the Lord to labor in the field, even when we don't understand why or how we could ever make an impact (see Luke 10:2-4). Saint Thérèse’s Little Way, in her little town, led to an extraordinary life because she turned it over to the Master of the Harvest to order and arrange. 

Let’s contemplate our own little lives today and how ready we are to turn each moment, each encounter, every task, into a work of love for Him. He is Love. In the smallness of our own kitchens, our carpools, our cubicles—all altars to the Eternal—He can ordain infinite possibilities through our own little ways.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us!

Relate to the Lord // Think of a seemingly small aspect of your life that can become a means of extraordinary grace for the world. Ask the Lord to bless it.