Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Luke 9:57-62
Now is the time to follow the Lord

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges three would-be followers with words that cut to the heart of discipleship. To the first, He makes clear that following Him means embracing insecurity: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To the second, He urges immediacy: “Let the dead bury their dead,” reminding us that God’s call cannot be postponed. To the third, He warns against looking back, for the Kingdom demands a heart set firmly on the road ahead.

“Let the dead bury their dead.” This was not a rejection of family duty but a challenge against procrastination. The man was likely saying, “I will follow you later—after my father has died.” But discipleship cannot be postponed indefinitely. When the heart is stirred by grace, that moment must be seized.

These words might seem severe, but they speak of a love that calls for total trust. Few saints embody this better than St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the “Little Flower.” She lived the Gospel by giving herself completely to Christ through her “little way” of love, not by heroic feats, but by embracing small sacrifices with great love—smiles when she was tired, patience when she was irritated, prayers when she felt dry.

Like the man in the Gospel tempted to delay, Thérèse did not wait for a “better time” to follow Christ. In her illness and weakness, she responded daily to the grace of the present moment. And kept her gaze forward, fixed on Jesus who awaited her.

Her life teaches us that discipleship is not about dramatic gestures, but about fidelity in the ordinary. The Kingdom of God advances not only by great preachers and missionaries, but also by hidden souls who give everything in love. Today, may St. Thérèse inspire us to follow Jesus here and now, with undivided hearts, walking forward in trust and simplicity.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025