Memorial of Sr. Teresa-Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin Martyr

Scripture Readings:  Ez 2:8-3:4;  Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14                     

“Whoever becomes humble like a child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 18:4).   

Sr. Teresa-Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, writes: “Becoming one with Christ is our happiness on earth, the love of the cross in no way contradicts being a joyful child of God. Carying the cross with Christ fills one with a strong and pure joy, and those who do so are builders of God’s kingdom, the most authentic children of God. … To suffer and be happy in suffering, to have one’s feet on the ground—walking on the dirty and rough paths of this earth—and yet to be enthroned with Christ at the Father’s right hand, to laugh and cry in this world while singing the praises of God with the choirs of angels—this is the life of the Christian until the morning of eternity breaks forth.1

1. Saint Teresa-Benedicta of the Cross [Edith Stein] (1891-1942), Carmelite, Martyr, Co-patron of Europe, Love of the Cross, 24/11/1934 (Institute of Carmelite Studies).