The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed: it begins very small (Mk 4:31). Furthermore, the kingdom of God stays small for a long time because it grows slowly (see Mk 4:27). Usually small, slow things are not successful, but the kingdom of God is and will be the most successful of all kingdoms. The secret is its permanence. It may be slow and small, but when the fast and the big pass away, God's kingdom will still be growing slowly.
As a member of God's kingdom, is your life permanently founded on the rock of obedience to God's unchanging word? (Mt 7:24; Lk 21:33) Do you have "better and more permanent possessions" than material goods? (Heb 10:34) Have you been "solicitous to make your call and election permanent?" (2 Pt 1:10)
The psalmist proclaims: "Permanence is Your word's chief trait" (Ps 119:160). It may also be the chief trait of God's kingdom. It can be a chief trait of your life. Give yourself totally to God. Become His permanent possession.
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to renew my Confirmation. |
| PROMISE: | "Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward." –Heb 10:35 |
| PRAISE: | Len, a high school freshman, left the party when he saw beer was being served. |
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