THE LITTLE WAY?

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.