Who makes the greatest contributions to the building of God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? It's not the official religious leaders who give from their surplus, but the little people – the widows and the poor – who give their all to the Lord. When little poor people give their small all, Jesus multiplies that all to feed the masses and renew the face of the earth. "God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; He singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something" (1 Cor 1:27-28).
The Lord continues to choose the small to the present day. He still chooses teenage girls from villages like Nazareth to change the world. He still takes broken, blind men like Tobit and turns all things to the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Like Job, you may be crushed by tragedies. If you give your all to the Lord, you will bear much fruit for the Kingdom (Jn 12:24). Jesus made Himself small by emptying Himself in the Incarnation, and He gave His all by dying on the cross (Phil 2:6ff). Let us follow in His footsteps.
| PRAYER: | Father, I love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength (Mk 12:30). Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for me. |
| PROMISE: | "Honor and proclaim God's deeds, and do not be slack in praising Him." –Tb 12:6 |
| PRAISE: | St. Norbert was once known for his pleasure-seeking lifestyle. He was touched by the Living God, gave all that he had to the poor, and led a life of penance. |
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