The humility of the King of Love, crucified for us on the Cross, comes out clearly in the Gospel set for today, from St Matthew: ‘At that time Jesus declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”’

St Thérèse of Lisieux, in an apparition of 1910, said: ‘My way is sure and I made no mistake in following it’. Her way – the way that is hidden from the wise and understanding, and revealed to mere babes – is needed as much as ever.

May we take hold of it in our own lives, and know its hidden wisdom. May God bless you this day.