Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, sometimes we feel like the blind man of Jericho, groping in darkness and needing help. Life gets confusing. At times, like the people in the time of the Maccabees, our hearts drift. We follow the crowd and want to look good. When it becomes uncomfortable or isn’t popular, we abandon faith and the values of your kingdom. Our drifting hearts are not faithful to your covenant of love. Yet at other times we stand strong in our faith and its practices, even when it is not popular or even looked down upon as too simple, not real, or unenlightened. We are such a dizzying confusion of contradictions. You must smile at us. We need your help and healing touch. We get so easily blinded by what is popular, the latest fad, the easy way out, or what fulfills our needs. Touch our souls – we need sight: to see you and focus on the values of your reign. Pour forth your Spirit to give us the courage to be faithful. We need your healing touch.

You really are determined, tender Therese. At the papal audience this day in 1887, you break protocol and directly address the Pope and ask him for the privilege to enter the Carmel early. When he puts you off with a pious exhortation, you continue to plead with him to intervene, until you are dragged away. Your tenacity is such a great gift, St. Therese! Help us to strongly and passionately pursue goals and divine calls. Share with us your tenacious spirit, Little Flower of Jesus.