At some point in our lifetime , we arrive at a liberating juncture. As believers, we recognize that we are here on earth to serve God’s greater purpose, as God is at the center of our lives.
This purpose commits us to live life in commonality, rather than self-centeredness, and to move with the idea of togetherness, rather than aggressive individualism. And to practice unconditional love, rather than embrace the coolness of indifference.
Recognizing that our life is not ours alone at that instant, Jesus Christ is born again in us. He literally begins using our humanity to further his plan. This is the moment when God’s kingdom begins flourishing vigorously because we are using our God given gifts for the exact purpose they are given.
St. Francis de Sales maintains it is the moment we take the small ordinary acts, which we encounter frequently, and realize these are wonderful opportunities to turn them into ways to praise God. A perfect example is when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well.
As she was drawing water for her household, Jesus engaged her with civility and respect. His remarks, slowly but steadily, filled her heart with warmth and affection. She soon began engaging Jesus without fear. And it was not long before she felt compelled to proclaim his gentle manner throughout her neighborhood. Thus, by example, Jesus’ initial dialogue showed how love often begins his healing.
On another occasion, Jesus’ preaching piqued the interest of Zaccheus, a despised tax collector. He felt a strong need to search out Jesus and see if what he was hearing was true. Sensing a life-changing moment occurring in Zaccheus’ heart when their eyes locked, Jesus reached out and invited himself to dinner.
Overwhelmed with Jesus’ compassion and love, Zaccheus seized hope and changed his life’s direction. Jesus’ tenderness softened Zaccheus, causing him to realize that he could be better than his present life showed.
And again, when Jesus was teaching in a crowded home loving friends lowered their paralytic friend through the roof and before Jesus. Jesus rewarded this unique gesture with a dramatic cure. Understanding his friends’ loving kindness, Jesus then merged his deep love and the miracle happened. Responding tenderly, Jesus said, “Take up your pallet and walk.” The paralytic did and the group walked home together. Love overpowers darkness in any form.
There is a saying that when we do good, we really don’t know how much good we are actually doing. Since this measurement is impossible to grasp, it is better to accomplish all the good we can with each present moment before us.
Dorothy Day wrote: What we do is very little. But it is like the little boy with a few loaves and fishes. Christ took that little and increased it…Our work is to sow. Another will be reaping the harvest.
If accomplishing good is our aim each new day, God will join us and become a hidden force within each action. Just as in the miracles mentioned above, our miracles can also change the world, one good act at a time. Of course, we won’t realize this unless we seek these small opportunities and by our actions turn them into great acts of praise to God.
No act of goodness – even the smallest – ever fades away, they always matter. Anonymous
Rev. Richard DeLillio, OSFS
Nativity Prep Development Office
Wilmington, Delaware
To read more of Fr. Delillio’s reflections or subscribe to his weekly blog visit: “A Moment From DeSales”
