Today, the Church celebrates the life of the Little Flower – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus – Patroness of the Missions. For those familiar with the life of Thérèse, it may seem rather strange that she would come to be known as the ‘Patroness of the Missions’, for she barely stepped out of the convent, as she was always ailing. And yet, she literally took the Gospel to the homes of all those ministered to by priests and missionaries, through her prayers and sacrifices for them – which she believed was her special calling. Thérèse was favoured by signal graces and advanced rapidly in holiness. Her child-like simplicity, utter humility, constant self-sacrifice and faithfulness to God were her most outstanding virtues. She died of Consumption at 24.

The Gospel text today has been very aptly chosen for this feast, as it has Jesus reminding His disciples that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are those who are child-like: trusting and dependent on the love of God.

In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies to an exiled race, calling them to rejoice even amidst their misery, for their trust and dependence on the Lord will be rewarded with the birth of a new Jerusalem.