From today’s Scripture: “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” — 1 Cor 2:3-5

Today’s first reading ties so nicely to St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way.” Even though St. Paul was an educated man, he wrote about coming in weakness and much trembling. St. Thérèse didn’t convert hearts with loud preaching or great demonstrations of power but through small hidden sacrifices. St. Thérèse proved that the “demonstration of the Spirit’s power” doesn’t require a public stage.

When we operate out of pure love, even our smallest, quietest actions carry supernatural, miraculous weight. She famously wrote, “Love can do all things. The most impossible tasks seem to it easy and sweet.”

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, St. Paul reminds me today that your power is made perfect in my weakness. Like St. Thérèse, I want to be content with being small, helpless, and weak, because that is when your grace carries me. Deliver me from the desire to look wise, strong, or eloquent in the eyes of others.

Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former treasurer and chief administrator.

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