Paying one last visit to the cemetery Memorial Day just before nightfall, I noticed a statue of Saint Therese that I never noticed previously. Her full religious name was Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, recalling childlike simplicity of holiness and integrity and honesty so fierce that being in solidarity with the sufferings of Jesus for us is possible, and with enthusiasm. Her nickname – the Little Flower – is due to her description of herself amongst others of Jesus’ Little Flock. She’s depicted as cradling a crucifix in a bouquet of flowers. Mind you, these flowers are for Jesus, in His childlike obedience to the Father regarding His Passion and Death, so that He might give these to the Immaculate Conception, His dearest Mother and ours, as she stood under the Cross. You know the drill:
Mary is the warrior with her divine Son, in a battle, a war, over against Satan, the fierceness of whom all warriors do well to carry in their souls. In laying down their lives for the good of mankind, they will have Jesus’ good mom to welcome them into the eternal habitations. Flowers for you, Mary.
ARISE! LET US BE GOING! 