Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Goodness, why is righteousness so violent at times? We are torn by conflicting values of our faith and our society. We attack those who differ or threaten us. Your hero in Maccabees is killing those who give in to pressure. It is like pro-life people killing people who differ with them. Righteousness can be so dangerous? Why is so much violence born of religion, when You are God of Peace? What darkness with us masquerades as religion and destroys others? Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I hope that you are not weeping over the violence, hardness, apostasy and weakness of my heart. I try, Lord! I’m weak! Only Your Spirit can save me from the violence which wells from darkness within – the violence of word, judgment, action and silence, which kills others. Tear down the walls of our stony hearts that we might know Your visitation, power and gentle presence.

You really are determined, tender Therese. At the papal audience 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.