the victory of the small and slow
"To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?" —Luke 13:20, our transl.
The kingdom of God at first appears to be small while our culture of death is mammoth. Furthermore, the kingdom of God often seems slow in developing. It seems as if it takes forever to make even a little progress. This could be very discouraging. However, a tiny mustard seed will eventually grow to become "a large shrub" (Lk 13:19), and yeast will slowly, imperceptibly, yet effectively cause a mass of dough to rise (Lk 13:21). If we're small and slow in a big-time, high-speed, high-tech culture of death, we can have hope for victory in Jesus' parables and promises.
Jesus promises to do what we think impossible (see Lk 1:37). In our weakness, His power will reach perfection (2 Cor 12:9). He makes "all things work together for the good of those who love" Him (Rm 8:28). If we believe in Jesus, we will do greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). Jesus will do more than we ever "ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). The small, slow people of God's kingdom will be the conquerors of the world (1 Jn 5:5) and even more than conquerors (Rm 8:37). Praise Jesus!
Prayer: Father, make the small and slow big-hearted and quick to hear (Jas 1:19), forgive, and love.
Promise: "Be submissive to one another out of fear of the Lord." —Eph 5:21, our transl.
Praise: Eight years ago, a few Catholic home-schooling families began a small support group. After growing slowly for a few years, the group now consists of well over a hundred families.
Reference: (Start the new Church year with a commitment to read the entire Bible during the year of God the Father. You may wish to order our leaflets, Father Al's Plan for Reading the Bible Each Year, and Through the Bible in One Year. We also offer Simple Reading Guides to the entire Bible.)
Rescript: ..
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998