Today is the Feast Day of Thérèse of Lisieux.
St Thérèse’s spirituality can be summed up in two words: trust and mercy. Her life was a model of what Christ calls us to in the Gospel: to love God and to love our neighbor.
She reminds us that everything good that comes to us is because of mercy. Her desire to seek the most perfect thing to do (to love) and to forget self is the model of holiness we should all strive. She always looked at her life through the lens of how God gave her abundant graces.
When we are grateful (for whatever God chooses to give us), He will multiply blessings to us and fill us with a greater capacity to love. Her constant focus on Jesus gave her the grace to embrace virtue and holiness. We are called to participate in the redemptive work of Jesus by receiving whatever He decides to send to us. This willingness to say YES to Christ in all things is a true act of surrender and learning to live in His perfect will.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church […] Colossians 1:24 RSV
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 RSV
Overcoming worldliness can be an exhausting task. Thérèse always thought the way to overcome habitual sin was to think more about death. May we have the wisdom to realize that all things come from God and all things lead back to Him.
Thérèse is the patron saint of our family. Her intercessions have showered us with many blessings, answers to prayers and is a constant guide who watches over us.
Ask for her intercession today. Sweet Thérèse, we love you. Blessed Feast Day to you, our Little Flower.
© 2026, Lawain McNeil, Mission Surrender, LLC.