An old saying reads that there are times when “a little goes a long way.” A small effort can have a significant impact.
We do not need to move mountains or sail the roughest seas to prove our worth as Christians. At times, the little things we do that are consistent with our Catholic faith may have a significant impact on another life, or be a catalyst for a series of events that result in positive change for some else.
There are times when we feel overwhelmed at the enormous task ahead of us. We wrongfully conclude that we simply cannot live the life of a Christian. It is too demanding or the obstacles we are asked to overcome are simply too big.
I watch the news and ask, “How can a little guy like me help solve the big problems of the world?” I cannot help feed all of the hungry. I cannot financially support all of the poor. I cannot sway our politicians to support Catholic social teaching principles. In a moment of weakness, we ‘give-in’—a fatal mistake!
Rather than focusing on we cannot solve or address through our Catholic faith, let’s ask what we can do to help the local community, our neighbours, friends and family through our faith. There ample opportunities for us to live our faith daily and still contribute a helping hand in solving the ills of the world.
If you are overwhelmed at the hunger that millions face daily on the planet, then perhaps volunteer your time at the local food bank – better still contribute food parcels to your local food bank. The bible reads:
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
By ‘acting our faith’ we help those around us and in helping those around us, we help ourselves by living the word of Christ and putting meaning to the scriptures.
When we decide that the little things we can do daily in our lives to live our faith are not worth the effort we actually set ourselves, and the world, back on bigger things. Luke writes,
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” Luke 16:10
Our little acts of faith prepare us for opportunities to involve ourselves in bigger acts of faith. As living our faith is ingrained into our souls, we naturally gravitate towards acting out our faith in a wider scope without any thought, and it becomes part of us. As it becomes part of us and we share it with others the potential exists that it becomes part of others as well.
Through our little acts of faith we create a tsunami of living and breathing acts of faith around us that travel away from us to places we may not be able to reach single-handedly.
By living as everyday Catholics we are constantly stoking the flames of faith. A small fire, given the right amount of oxygen and wind, can grow large and travel great distances. Let us be that wind that gently but steady stokes that flame.
If every Catholic lived their faith daily, even in small doses, as a community of faith, we would have a significant impact on a global scale. It all start with you. Tonight, when you go to bed, make a commitment to yourself and to God that you will live your faith as an everyday Catholic. When you wake up, start your day afresh, taking every opportunity to live your faith in small portions.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4
Copyright © 2013, Luciano Corbo
Luciano Corbo
Luciano Corbo holds a Master of Arts - Integrated Studies from Athabasca University. His major interests are Culture, Work, Organizations and Leadership, within a context of Catholic Social Teaching Principles. He writes from Canada.
One response to “Being an Everyday Catholic”
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Being an “everyday Catholic” is critical. Thanks for this post!