b. Jan 2, 1873, d. Sept 30, 1897 (age 24). Customary Day of Remembrance October 1st
Therese was a French Discalced Carmelite nun, Catholic saint, and Doctor of the Church. Known as “The Little Flower,” she entered the Lisieux Carmel at age 15 and is famed for her “Little Way” — a path to holiness through childlike trust and doing small acts with great love. Despite living a hidden life, her autobiography The Story of a Soul spread worldwide, inspiring millions. You can find this classic writing here.A moment of silence to quiet our hearts and to acknowledge that Christ is among us.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
R. as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Happy are they whose way is blameless,
* who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Happy are they who observe his decrees
* and seek him with all their hearts!
3 Who never do any wrong,
* but always walk in his ways.
4 You laid down your commandments,
* that we should fully keep them.
5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct
* that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then I should not be put to shame,
* when I regard all your commandments. 7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart,
* when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes;
* do not utterly forsake me.
Psalm 119:57-64
57 You only are my portion, O LORD;
* I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart,
* be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
* and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60 I hasten and do not tarry
* to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me,
* I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks,
* because of your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you
* and of those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your love;
* instruct me in your statutes.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
* As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
All Respond: Thanks be to God.
Lord our God, you have called us to serve you and to love you; re-create us in the image of your Son, and direct our steps by the guidance of your Spirit, so that our life may proclaim your praises both now and for ever. Amen.
Prepare to enter the silence.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the Spirit of your Son.
Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.
Time for prayer, with a particular focus on KLC
At the end of each petition please say, “Lord in your mercy…” and the rest of us will respond, “… hear our prayer.”
Presence
I pause for a moment and reflect on God’s life-giving presence in every part of my body, in everything around me, in the whole of my life.
Freedom
It is so easy to get caught up with the trappings of wealth in this life. Grant, O Lord, that I may be free from greed and selfishness. Remind me that the best things in life are free: love, laughter, caring and sharing.
Consciousness
Where do I sense hope, encouragement, and growth areas in my life? By looking back over the last few months, I may be able to see which activities and occasions have produced rich fruit. If I do notice such areas, I will determine to give those areas both time and space in the future.
The Word of God (Read twice)
Luke 10:1-12
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way; I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on that person, but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
All Respond: Thanks be to God.
Inspiration
When Jesus sent out his troops on their missionary explorations, he knew that the receptions they were likely to receive would vary considerably. Some would be charmed with how they were accepted, whilst others would be appalled. Those on assignment were to let people know that God was very close to them; Christ knew that the disciples would need to have had that experience for themselves if they were to have any effect on their listeners. How effective have I been in getting that message across?
Conversation
Words don’t always come easily to me, Lord. Look into my heart and see my longing for peace. Watch over me, Lord. I know that You are always by my side.
From Sacred Space. Copyright © 1999-2026 Sacred Space. All rights reserved. Sacred Space is a ministry of the Irish Jesuits.
Leader: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All Respond: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All Respond: In the Name of Christ. Amen.
