< <  

Monday, November 24, 1997

  > >

St. Andrew Dung-Lac
& the Vietnamese Martyrs


Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20
Daniel 3:52-56
Luke 21:1-4

View Readings
Similar Reflections

the big time and the little people

"I assure you, this poor widow has put in more than all the rest." —Luke 21:3

The Lord has big plans. Of the billions of people whom He has created, He wants each one "to be saved and come to know the truth" (1 Tm 2:4). However, because He is all-powerful, the Lord does not need big money, influential people, or big numbers to accomplish His big plans. A widow's mite (Lk 21:2ff) or five loaves and two fish (see Mk 6:38ff) are enough for the Lord to do big stuff. Also, the Lord needs only a few little people to accomplish His great works. "He chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God" (1 Cor 1:28-29). Moreover, the Lord doesn't need big numbers to reach big numbers. For example, four men in exile, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, had nothing but their faith. Yet by living their faith, they became "ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters" in Babylon (Dn 1:20). One hundred Christians can put to flight ten thousand enemies (Lv 26:8). "It is easy for many to be overcome by a few; in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between deliverance by many or by few; for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the army, but on strength that comes from Heaven" (1 Mc 3:18-19).

Little people, as few as you are, give your little bit for love of God and see the Lord do big things.

Prayer:  Father, make me faithful in little things (see Lk 16:10).

Promise:  "They make contributions out of their surplus, but she from her want has given what she could not afford — every penny she had to live on." —Lk 21:4

Praise:  Andrew and each of his 116 companions gave their lives as a witness to their belief in Jesus.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997