6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Fr. Mark Gatto
Preached: February 15, 2026
If someone was becoming Catholic and was wondering what they needed to do, how would you answer? One basic response could be this, “Be Holy.” Become a Saint. Being Catholic is a call to be holy. The problem is that many of us think that being holy is for the great saints. Being holy is for some important person, it is for somebody else. A simple person like me is not holy. Often because we have a false idea of what it means to be holy.
When I was on my one week tour in Normandy France, we visited the various sites connected to St. Therese of Lisieux. What an interesting life and saint. She lived in a family with 5 daughters. Her mother died when she was just 4 years old and this led her to real grief. Then when she was 15 years old Therese was intent on entering the Carmelite convent. This was at first rejected by the Convent as she was too young, also by her bishop. But, she would not give up and was persistent, finally being accepted into the convent. She lived a quiet, hidden life in that convent until she unfortunately died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. We were told there that there were only 30 people at her funeral.
But, after her death some of her writings about her youth and about her spirituality were shared and soon she became well known. She inspired many until she was canonized and even became a Doctor of the Church and the patron Saint of Missions. Many come from all over the world to pilgrimage in Lisieux. We also have a pilgrimage site in Niagara Falls at Mount Carmel that is dedicated to St. Therese.
Her spirituality was called “the little way.” She emphasized doing small, everyday actions with great love rather than seeking big, heroic deeds. She once said, “kindness is my only guiding star.” Her way of holiness attracts so many because it makes our simple daily lives a path to being a saint. Being patient and kind in my simple family life. Praying and celebrating the Sacraments with trust. We do not achieve holiness, we receive it as a humble little child.
Eventually, the parents of St. Therese have also been canonized. In fact, they are the only married couple where both are canonized saints. All married couples, you are also called to become saints as a married couple.
St. Paul speaks of “God’s wisdom, secret and hidden.” Paul continues, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” St. Therese really loved Jesus. She received God’s love deep in her heart.
Yes, each of us as Catholics are called to be holy. Called to be a saint. First step is to know yourself as deeply loved by God. You do not need to do anything big or outstanding. St. Therese lived a hidden life. Live her “little way.” Do everything and be with everyone in a way of love.
Doing the dishes, phoning a friend who is alone, coming to Mass, whatever your duty is, do it with love.
Be Holy. Be a Saint. Be reconciled with others. Be faithful to your commitments. Each Catholic is called to be Holy, to be a Saint. Real holiness enters the depth of the wisdom of God, it leads to communion, harmony and faithful love.
