In what small, ordinary, unseen, and even annoying ways can I exhibit the obedience of faith (Rm 1:5) today? I am called to be faithful to many "little things" (Lk 16:10) right now, but I don't want to do them. I'd rather display my worthiness to all in the great moments. However, greatness in great matters is born of thousands of small matters in which we have cultivated the habit of obediently serving God (see Mt 25:21).
A disciplined habit of prayer is good — but discipline is just one part of trustworthiness. Our motives matter. The motives of carrying our daily cross and sacrificially loving transcend even a life of faithful diligence. Daily dying to ourselves (Lk 9:23) leads to a life in which ever larger matters are handled in trustworthiness (Lk 16:10). St. Therese of Lisieux strove to follow her "little way" of lovingly serving God.
The apostles followed Jesus faithfully in small matters daily for three years, but failed at the great moment of Jesus' arrest and Passion (see Mk 14:50). Thus, success in small matters does not guarantee trustworthiness in great matters. Yet Jesus does say that faithfulness in small matters is a prerequisite. So, follow Jesus today in self-denial, humility, obedience, and love. Be trustworthy in small matters (see Lk 16:10). Be willing to serve the Lord in small, unseen obedience.
What little thing can I do to be obedient today so that I might not fail when larger challenges arise?
| PRAYER: | Father, every day of my life, may I serve You with gladness, joy, and faithfulness. |
| PROMISE: | "To Him, the God Who alone is wise, may glory be given through Jesus Christ unto endless ages. Amen." –Rm 16:27 |
| PRAISE: | St. Martin was such an anointed evangelist that Jesus converted entire families and villages through him. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College