“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Monday, 31st July 2017.
Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
Ex 32: 15-24, 30-34;
Ps 106: 19-23 (R) 1;
Mt 13: 31-35.
GREATNESS IN THE EYES OF GOD
Jesus speaking about the kingdom of God said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Lk17: 21). We are called today to continue the work for this kingdom of God. However, we may have difficulty regarding where to begin. Jesus tells us even a tiny mustard seed can grow as a huge tree producing much. Similarly a tiny act can promote the kingdom of God. As the kingdom of God is within, we can begin to work for it from within. Turning from our evil thoughts, wicked ways and walking in righteousness could be a tiny step. In its own time this simple effort can grow as a gigantic tree and give much fruit and give shelter for the birds of the air. A tiny act of kindness in my family can elevate my family to become a powerful witness to the kingdom of God. A small act of charity in the society can transform the entire society, and thus the kingdom of God could spread like wild fire!
Too often we tend to feel as though our lives are not nearly as important as others. We can often look to others who are far more “powerful” and “influential.” What if I had their money? Or if I had their social status? Too often, we fall into the trap of the “what ifs.” The smallest seed becomes the largest bush. This begs the question, “Do you feel like the smallest seed at times?” It’s normal to feel insignificant at times and to wish we were “more.” But this is nothing more than a worldly and erroneous daydream. The truth is that each one of us is capable of making a HUGE difference in our world. In God’s eyes we have potential beyond what we could ever daydream about.
What does it mean to be transformed by God into the “largest of plants” as the mustard seed is? It means we are given the incredible privilege to fulfill the exact, perfect and glorious plan God has for our lives. It is this plan that will produce the best and most abundant eternal fruit. We may not get the name recognition here on Earth. But, in Heaven all that will matter is how holy you became and how completely you fulfilled the divine plan for your life.
Saint Mother Teresa often said, “We are called to be faithful, not successful.” It is this fidelity to the will of God that matters.
Prayer: Lord, I know that without You I am nothing. Without You my life has no meaning. Help me to embrace Your perfect and glorious plan for my life and, in that plan, to achieve the greatness to which You call me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.