St. Therese of Child Jesus
Luke 9:51-56
Misguided Zeal for Christ

October is known as the missionary month, beginning with the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of the Missions. Later in the month, the Church will celebrate Mission Sunday, reminding us of our calling to be missionaries and stand in solidarity with missionaries worldwide. October is also recognised as the Month of the Rosary, inviting us to deepen our connection to the life of Jesus through meditation on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

The life of St. Therese of the Child Jesus illustrates the “Little Way,” which encourages us to approach God with childlike simplicity and to foster a loving, father-child relationship with Him.

The Samaritans refused to welcome Jesus and His disciples into their village, and this rejection is understandable given the tense relationship between Jews and Samaritans. Claretian theologian Fr. Jose Cristo Rey draws a parallel between their conflict and the ongoing struggles between Israelis and Palestinians today.

The question of James and John, “Shall we call down fire from heaven to destroy them?” reveals their misguided zeal. It also mirrors the tragic reality of modern warfare, where literal fire rains down from the sky, latest through pagers and walkie-talkies, taking countless lives.

Nations and people are often divided by their own interests, resorting to violence to resolve conflicts. Yet, Jesus taught a different path. Hatred and vengeance do not solve our problems. Envy, anger, and bitterness can tear apart relationships within families, communities, and even the Church. We must remember that gentleness is not a sign of weakness but rather a reflection of true spiritual maturity and strength.

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024