My Dear People,

Faith is an immensely valuable treasure for souls in everyday life because it is a beacon of light and an immense consolation at all times of distress. Therefore, it must be jealously guarded in one’s heart.   

The Apostles, who were asked to grow in faith, desired to see wonderful deeds accomplished (in order to confuse the Pharisees). They also wished to do these works themselves. This is why Jesus told them that if they had the faith the size of a small mustard seed—a bare minimum—and if that faith was alive and able to grow, they could uproot and plant a mulberry tree in the sea with only a command. 

It is clear from the context that the Apostles had asked to grow in faith for a faint and subconscious sense of vanity! They wanted miracles to confuse the Pharisees. They also believed it was necessary that the Master defend Himself against the plotting of His enemies. For this reason, Jesus, subtly and through a parable, said they should consider themselves like the servants of a master, plowing his field and grazing his flock! Even if they would do wonders for the apostolate, they should never think to take the glory for themselves, but should think of themselves only as useless servants who were simply commanded to perform a task as part of their duty.

Those who understand just how much pride inflates one’s sense of self and how easily our fallen nature feels vanity for a job well done, should, in turn, understand (very well) the timing and truth of Jesus’ cautionary remark. Sincerely believing oneself to be nothing gives one an immense interior joy while the inner feeling of humility protects the good that has been done.   And, when giving it back to God, He makes all more fruitful with His grace, multiplying it in our souls. 

In every age, the words of Jesus have been a defense against vanity for the messengers of the Divine Word. Those who work for an apostolate, in fact, are an instrument of God’s grace, often witnessing the wonders of His power and the divine mercy in their work.  

The Lord, in His mercy, works great wonders with minimal means and through inept men; but also, when His intervention is obvious in works done well, the person who has been the instrument may feel the personal satisfaction for this work, and could also demand recognition of his efforts before God. Jesus’ words immediately bring him back to reality! Recognizing that he has done only his duty, and that he is a useless servant because he did it imperfectly, he humbles himself,  prostrates himself, and he appeals to the divine mercy.  Then it is possible for the good work done to bear fruit. 

Those who have a little experience with the true apostolate know how deadly proud satisfaction can be! They also know it is a sure sign of not having produced the true fruits of eternal life.

 It is necessary, therefore, to have humility and not to seek personal satisfaction but only the glory of God and the true good of souls. 

[Reflections on the Gospels by Don Dolindo Ruotolo]

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Clemente