The Little Way

On October 1st we will be celebrating the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. She is one of my favorite saints. I have liked her since childhood because we shared the same last name, Martin. She also had a sister who was a nun and so did I. And she could be a little outspoken-- and so can I.

But whatI like most about her is how she shows the world that we can all do some good in the world in our own, small way.

She wrote:

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice her by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; alway doing the smallest right and doing it all for love!"

Taking her words to heart I reflected on how I was inspired by the example of so many people in the world showing me how they spread the faith and joy in their own, small way.

* I watched a woman walk into a church with her Bible prayer book to spend and hour or two in adoration. She had committed to a time slot to spend time with the Lord. I had just popped in for a prayer but appreciated her commitment and example of faith.

* I admired innocent faith of the six little children I watched participating in the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd" program. I was just filling in as a helper but loved the way the children were being drawn to God with beauty, quiet, and love.

* I was happy to pick up somePolish dinners for my family at a nearby parish. However, I also admired the teamwork and energy displayed by the people who working for their parish, spreading their heritage and doing it with smiles.

* And I enjoyed a homily that told me about the spread of the faith in Korea. I learned that the people came to God from reading the writings of Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci. They embraced God through is word, long before a priest would arrive to baptize them. The message from that homily and story is that God is there and God will prevail.

In just one week I could see how so many people were sharing their faith in small ways.

None of them would probably think what they are doing is a big deal. But they are inspiring and making a difference in the world.

I thank them and ask myself how I can do the same. In what small way can I spread the faith with love?

I invite you to reflect too. It doesn't have to be big or grand. You can.