Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (YEAR 2013)

Meditation on Today's Scripture:

The Jews and Samaritans had been divided for centuries. Jewish pilgrims who passed through Samaritan territory were often assaulted. Jesus did the unthinkable for a Jew. He not only decided to travel through Samaritan territory at personal risk, but he also asked for generosity in one of their villages! Jesus' offer of friendship was rebuffed. Is there any wonder that the disciples were angry and felt justified in wanting to see vengeance done to this village? Wouldn't you respond the same way? Jesus, however, scolds his disciples for their lack of toleration. Jesus had "set his face toward Jerusalem" to die on a cross that Jew, Samaritan and Gentile might be reconciled with God and be united as one people in Jesus.

Word of the Day...

Matthew 5:11-12Blessed 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 give up their confidence. We pray that you will bring deliverance from this time of persecution. We pray that their sufferings will be the source of powerful witness so others will come to see the great value of Jesus and our loyalty to him. This we pray in Infant Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Readings ... (October 01, 2013)

Day:	Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (YEAR 2013)
Lectionary:	456
Colour:	White
First Reading:	Zec 8:20-23
Responsorial Psalm:	Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
Second Reading:	NIL
Gospel:	Luke 9:51-56
Listen to Readings:

Today's Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

⁵¹When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. ⁵² And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him; ⁵³ but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?" ⁵⁵ But he turned and rebuked them. ⁵⁶ And they went on to another village.