The Young Saint

Yesterday, Oct. 1st, was the Feast of St. Therese de Lisieux, also known as St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. She was known for her simple, childlike faith and spirituality, truly living out the words of Jesus when He said, "Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

But what struck me most about her was her age.

She joined the Carmelite Order at age 15, and died of tuberculosis at age 24.

She was a youth, 2 years younger than I am now, yet the Catholic Church recognises her as a Doctor of the Church and a Patron Saint for Missionaries.

Wow..

This young nun shares her titles with great saints such as St. Jerome and St. Francis Xavier.

Many times young people in the Church feel powerless, unworthy or unequipped to serve their community, to accomplish great things for the Lord.

"You're too young, go and study first" or "The youth don't know what they are doing" are words heard spoken by adults within church compounds.

And as youth, so often we believe those words. We let ignorant mindsets and dismissive attitudes limit the wonders of God in our lives. Well, guess what St. Peter preached immediately after he received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost:

"This is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

'It will come to pass in the last days,' God says,

'That I will pour out a portion of my Spirit upon all flesh.

Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions.' "

We the young people of the Church are empowered by the Spirit of God to proclaim the Good News, to do marvelous deeds in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The same Holy Spirit who anointed the young St. Theresa in her missionary works are still very much alive and active in us today!

The late Pope John Paul II loved young people. He wanted to see more young Catholics live a life of holiness like St. Theresa. That is why, towards the end of his pilgrimage on earth, he cried out, "My dear young people, do not be afraid to become saints!"

If only we would look beyond ourselves, to trust in the grace of God at work in our lives...

If only we would open our eyes, enlarge our vision to fulfill the dream God has birthed in us...

If only we would embrace the passion of our youth...

How will you answer the words of Jesus in that familiar hymn:

"Will you come and follow Me if I but call your name?"

-- from the hymn "The Summons"

For more on St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, please visit http://www.thereseoflisieux.org/