Opening Prayer
Okay! You are right! Our human wisdom, upon which we rely so heavily, leads us either nowhere or to destruction. That is why we need You, Lord Jesus, even as we struggle to deny our dependence. You give us access to God so that we don’t have to pretend to be god. It is such a heavy burden to try to control and carry everything and everyone! Thank you, Holy Wisdom, for embracing us in Christ as Your very own – and giving us a wisdom and light which pierces the self-created darkness. Sometimes I wonder why You send us back to the same seas to fish again. We have been there and done that, Lord! But with You directing us, empty waters become life-giving and filled with more than we imagine. Teach us to trust You, Jesus, and not listen to our fears and disillusionments, as we try to follow You today.
Beloved St. Therese, as a child of God, you needed a real sign that God was listening to and responding to your prayers. You adopted the accused and unrepentant murderer Pranzini and prayed for his conversion – and on this day, as he was being executed in 1887, he kissed the cross moments before death. You knew that was the confirming sign from Jesus that God listens to your prayers. Stretch our faith to trust God’s merciful response to the needs, hurts and hopes of our lives.
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