Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 30 Sep ‘24
XXVI Week in Ordinary Time, Monday
Saint Jerome, Memoria
Job 1:6-22. Luke 9:46-50
Greatness through little
Today’s readings lead us to reflect on the theme of “Greatness through Little.” The world often measures greatness through power, wealth, and status, but the Scriptures show us that true greatness is found in humility, simplicity, and faithfulness to God’s will. Both the story of Job and Jesus’ teachings in Luke guide us to recognize that God’s perspective on greatness is very different from the world’s.
1. Humility in the face of trials
In the first reading from Job, we encounter a man who was considered great by worldly standards – wealthy, righteous, and blessed with a large family. Yet, in a sudden turn of events, Job loses everything. Despite his unimaginable suffering, Job does not curse God. Instead, he humbly accepts his situation, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job’s greatness is not in his possessions but in his humility and steadfast faith. He recognizes that everything he has is from God and responds to his trials with humility.
True greatness is revealed not in how we handle prosperity but in how we respond to suffering. Job’s example teaches us that humility in the face of trials is the foundation of spiritual greatness. When we accept that all we have comes from God, we can humbly trust Him, even in the most difficult moments of life.
2. Greatness in the eyes of God
In the gospel reading, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, brings a child before them and says, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me…for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great” (Luke 9:48). Children in the ancient world were seen as the least important, without power or influence. Yet Jesus uses this image to teach that true greatness comes from humility, innocence, and lowliness – not from status or power. Greatness in God’s eyes is measured by our willingness to be humble, to serve others, and to depend on Him like a child.
Jesus turns our concept of greatness upside down. To be great, we must be willing to be ‘little’ – to serve, to be humble, and to recognize our dependence on God. Greatness is not about seeking status but about seeking to serve others and live in humility.
3. Faithfulness in little things
After Jesus teaches the disciples about humility, John mentions someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but they tried to stop him because he wasn’t part of their group. Jesus replies, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50). This teaches us that God works in small, unexpected ways. The disciples thought greatness was reserved for their exclusive circle, but Jesus reveals that God’s kingdom is built through small acts of faithfulness, even from those who may seem insignificant. God uses the “little” things—the quiet acts of faith, the hidden sacrifices—to accomplish His great purposes.
We often look for greatness in big, noticeable ways, but God values the small acts of faithfulness that others might overlook. It’s through these “little” things that God accomplishes His work in the world. Like the man casting out demons, we are called to be faithful in whatever task God gives us, knowing that even small acts of love and service have great significance in His kingdom.
On Saint Jerome
Today we commemorate Saint Jerome, a revered Doctor of the Church. His love for Scripture was fuelled by his deep conviction that ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Jerome’s life was marked by rigorous study, asceticism, and a relentless pursuit of truth, making him not only a towering figure of theological wisdom but also a model of intellectual devotion to God. He had both ‘will’ (‘commitment’) and ‘skill’ (‘competence’) for Scripture. May he intercede for us that we may become ardent readers and listeners of the word of God.
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The ’pilgrims of hope’ seek to become ‘great’ in God’s eyes by embracing the littleness of humility, faith, and service in their daily lives. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 212)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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