To help us during struggles and challenges in life, Our Lord has given us the great Theresas: St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, Doctor of the Church; St. Teresa of Avila, the great Carmelite reformer, Doctor of the Church; St. Teresa Benedicta of the Church, philosopher and martyr; St. Teresa of Calcutta who embodied the perfection of spiritual and corporal works of mercy. These saints who totally abandoned their lives to the Lord will keep us focused on what is necessary as we live through this very difficult time.
Grace
Feelings of fear and anxiety are rising more quickly than the rate of covid-19 infections. It’s easy to get caught up and forget that God’s grace is in everything that happens. St. Therese of Lisieux was, as Pope St. John Paul II called her, an “expert in scientia amoris,” the science of love. She accepted all of her trials and great physical sufferings with great humility out of love for Our Lord and for others. In all of our challenges great and small, this reminder from her will give hope and clarity: