“the little way”
“If you can trust a man in little things, you can also trust him in greater.” —Luke 16:10
In what small, ordinary, unseen, and even annoying ways can I exhibit the obedience of faith (Rm 1:5) today? I am called to be faithful to many “little things” (Lk 16:10) right now, but I don’t want to do them. I’d rather display my worthiness to all in the great moments. However, greatness in great matters is born of thousands of small matters in which we have cultivated the habit of obediently serving God (see Mt 25:21).
A disciplined habit of prayer is good — but discipline is just one part of trustworthiness. Our motives matter. The motives of carrying our daily cross and sacrificially loving transcend even a life of faithful diligence. Daily dying to ourselves (Lk 9:23) leads to a life in which ever larger matters are handled in trustworthiness (Lk 16:10). St. Therese of Lisieux strove to follow her “little way” of lovingly serving God.
The apostles followed Jesus faithfully in small matters daily for three years, but failed at the great moment of Jesus’ arrest and Passion (see Mk 14:50). Thus, success in small matters does not guarantee trustworthiness in great matters. Yet Jesus does say that faithfulness in small matters is a prerequisite. So, follow Jesus today in self-denial, humility, obedience, and love. Be trustworthy in small matters (see Lk 16:10). Be willing to serve the Lord in small, unseen obedience.
What little thing can I do to be obedient today so that I might not fail when larger challenges arise?
Prayer: Father, every day of my life, may I serve You with gladness, joy, and faithfulness.
Promise: “To Him, the God Who alone is wise, may glory be given through Jesus Christ unto endless ages. Amen.” —Rm 16:27
Praise: St. Martin was such an anointed evangelist that Jesus converted entire families and villages through him.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 15, 2023"
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.