Memorial-Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

Matthew 5:11-12: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Prayer ...

Heavenly Father, we have many who call on your name with faith in Jesus who face harassment and hardship every day. We pray that they will not lose heart and renounce their confidence. We pray that you will bring deliverance from time of harassment. We pray that their sufferings will be the source of powerful spectator so others will come to see the great value of Jesus and our commitment to him. We pray in Infant Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Readings ... (October 01, 2012)

Day:	Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
First Reading:	Jb 1:6-22
Responsorial Pslam:	Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7
Second Reading:	Nil
Gospel:	Luke 9:46-50
Lectionary:	137
Colour:	White
Audio:

Meditation on Today's Gospel:

Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be serves, but to serve. Paul the Apostles says that Jesus "emptied himself and took the form of a slave". Jesus lowered him and him whose place is at the right hand of Heavenly God, and took on our lowly nature that he might raise us up and clothe us in his divine nature. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble". If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to blank ourselves of everything which stands in the way – pride, envy, self-seeking glory, pride, and possessiveness. God wants unfilled vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love. Are we ready to humble ourselves and to serve as Jesus did?