Opening Prayer
Jesus, You are more Shepherd than King! God anointed You to unite us and draw us closer to You and each other. Like David’s kinsfolk, help us to be “your bone and your flesh”. You are among us. Your reign is in the human heart, not in some distant heaven. Thank You for becoming one of us and suffering for us. Your blood is life-giving. Thank You for making us worthy to share the light and see You as the image of God. Stretch my heart as you stretched your arms in sacrificial love. Jesus, Shepherd, Reconciler and King, remember me when You come into Your kingdom! Empower me to believe that I am already in Your kingdom!
You really are determined, tender Therese. At the papal audience on this day in 1887, you break protocol and directly address the Pope and ask him for the privilege to enter the Carmel early. When he puts you off with a pious exhortation, you continue to plead with him to intervene, until you are dragged away. Your tenacity is such a great gift, St. Therese – help us to strongly and passionately pursue goals and divine calls. Share with us your tenacious spirit, Little Flower of Jesus.
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