Greatness

What is man that you should be mindful of him? (Psalm 8:5) 

Have you ever tried to count the stars but found the task overwhelming? Or as a student, did you gaze into a microscope and become amazed at all the activity in a single drop of pond water? We truly do live in an amazing, complex world!

The more we discover about the universe, the more insignificant one human being can seem. But don’t forget each of these amazing discoveries was made by human beings. It shows us that the intricate working of our own minds is just as astounding as the celestial or cellular choreography going on around us. It shows that as amazing as the world is, as awe inspiring as our discoveries can be, our own human capacity for growth, knowledge, and development is even more amazing.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm gives us a glimpse of who we are and what we can accomplish. The psalmist rejoices that God has made us “little less than the angels” and crowned us with “glory and honor” (Psalm 8:6). He also proclaims that God is “mindful” of us (8:5). He keeps his eye on us, not because he is looking for any misstep, but because he takes delight in us. He enjoys seeing all that we can accomplish. Now that’s expansive! 

This sounds so wonderful—too wonderful, in fact, when we consider our sins and our limitations. “How can God rejoice in me? I have too many problems; I’m nowhere near the kind of disciple I should be.” But that’s not how God sees you. He doesn’t look only at who you are right now; he also sees who you can become. He sees the person he has created you to be: kind, generous, pure, humble, and faithful. And through his Holy Spirit, he has given you the ability to overcome any obstacle you may encounter. 

Remember this truth: God always takes the long view. Remember it when you have the chance to return hostility with kindness. Remember it when you feel the impulse to invite someone to church or pay an unexpected compliment to a coworker. Remember it when you are tempted to respond with anger instead of patience. 

God has made you for great things; don’t ever be afraid to reach for them!

“Father, your majesty shines through everything you have made—even me!” 

from wau.org

Up to us to respond

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted, and they came to him. (Mark 3:13)

“Who? Me? I can’t do that!” How many times have you heard comments like this, or even made them yourself when you were called upon to take up an important but daunting task? Don’t you think that the twelve men Jesus called to be his apostles had some of those same feelings? It was still early in his ministry, and they knew he was special. But they still had no idea just how important he was.

This Gospel reading tells us about three important things that happened. First, Jesus decided who he wanted for his ministry. He had many followers, some of whom were probably more qualified than these twelve. But he chose these men anyway. Next, Jesus summoned them. They didn’t volunteer; they didn’t run for election or ask for special positions. Jesus chose them. And lastly, they responded. They must have felt honored being selected, but at the same time must have wondered, “What am I getting myself into?” They had seen Jesus heal the sick and cast out demons, but none of them had done these things themselves. And still, this is what Jesus called them to do. He knew that, left to themselves, they were incapable of fulfilling this call, so he gave them his authority.

We can be encouraged by the legacy of these apostles—and all those who came after them. Like them, many of us wonder why God calls us to serve him in a particular way. And like them, we should all remember that we are a “chosen race … a people of his own” (1 Peter 2:9). He has summoned us to the mountain. Now it is up to us to respond.

Believe that God has planted seeds of greatness in you. He has summoned you. Now it’s up to you to respond. Know that he will equip you with everything you need. Step out in faith as the Twelve did. You are capable of serving Jesus in ways that you have not imagined because he will empower you. Remember, the Lord doesn’t call those who are equipped. He equips those who are called.

“Lord, give me the courage to say yes when you call and to believe that you will provide the wisdom, strength and ability to do your will.”

from wau.org