The One Who is Least Among All of You
is the One Who is the Greatest"

Today's Mass Readings

“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (lk 9: 47-48). St. Therese Lisieux, whose feast is celebrated today, chose to be called “Therese of the Child Jesus,” because of her desire to have the simple faith of a small child. Those of us who have been around children know that they are not perfect. They cry, throw tantrums, bite, hit, and even kick. They are “the least” – utterly dependent on their caregivers for nourishment and love. On the other hand, however, children have a natural sort of trust for those people on whom they are dependent. They are awed by the world around them and appreciative of each new experience. This is what we are called to be: awed by God’s work in the world, regarding ourselves as his children, completely dependent upon him for nourishment and love. The first reading reflects the gracious and merciful love of God for his children. Even though the people have sinned and been exiled from their home, the Father loves them and wishes good for them: “Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun, and from the land of the setting sun. I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice” (Zec 8:7-8).

So utterly dependent on God, the gift of a rebuilt Jerusalem must have seemed awesome indeed. Like children, the people probably could not fully comprehend this great gift, but they could be appreciative and joyful, grateful for God’s love to them. Let us strive to be childlike in our faith and in our joy for the many gifts given to us by our Father God. Let us, like St. Therese Lisieux, open our hearts to the overflowing love of God for us, and let us share that love with others this day and always.