the little way?
"How little faith you have!" —Matthew 14:31
Jesus' remark on Peter's little faith seems to also apply to many Catholics in the USA. Jesus could certainly say to many American Catholics:
- "O you of little prayer time and Bible study."
- "O you of little repentance and Confession."
- "O you of little family sizes compared to Catholics of previous centuries."
- "O you of little vocations to priesthood and religious life."
- "O you of little contributions and little faith" (see Mt 14:31).
- "O you of dwindling Sunday Mass attendance."
No wonder the world doesn't pay much attention to the Lord. It merely reads the messages that our lifestyles often display: that we don't believe God is big enough to trust with all our heart, mind, soul, strength, and life (Lk 10:27). If we who belong to Him only regard God as worthy of a little bit of our lives, why should the worldly take Him seriously?
The good news is that God understands littleness. Jesus came to earth as a little child. He welcomed the little ones (Mt 18:2). The Lord spoke to Elijah through a "tiny" voice (1 Kgs 19:12). Jesus compared God's kingdom to the "smallest" mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32). Therefore, come to Jesus with the little strength you have (Jgs 6:14; Mt 11:28). If you must remain little, then follow St. Therese's little way, and become like a little child (Mt 18:3). Trust God with all your life.
Prayer: Father, may my attitude and actions never convey to the world that You are a little God. Be exalted through my life.
Promise: "The Lord Himself will give His benefits." —Ps 85:13
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, "the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who alone has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light" (1 Tm 6:15-16).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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