# Nothing is too small for God
*2016-12-08*

> Reflecting on the feast of St. Juan Diego and the teachings of St. Mother Teresa, Bill Young discusses the spiritual value of small acts of charity toward the poor.

## The Example of St. Juan Diego

Today is Friday of the second week of Advent, and it is also the feast day of St. Juan Diego. Our Blessed Mother first visited Juan Diego in Mexico on a December night in the 1500s. Juan Diego was a common layperson; he had no fame or glory. Through the wisdom of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary chose the least among us. This sets the stage for our reflection today on the idea that nothing is too small for God.

## Mother Teresa on Individual Care

In the book 'Prepare His Way,' St. Mother Teresa speaks about the nature of her mission. While some struggle for justice by trying to change large societal structures, Mother Teresa's focus was on daily contact with individuals who lacked even a piece of bread. She believed in caring for a person rather than a multitude, seeking the individual with whom Jesus identifies Himself when He says, 'I was hungry' and 'I was sick.'

She taught that if we help only one person, that is enough. Together, we can do something beautiful for God. She reminds us that we should not glory in success but refer all to God in thankfulness. Similarly, failure should not be disheartening as long as we have done our best. God does not ask how many books we have read or how many miracles we have worked, but whether we have done our best for the love of Him.

## Practical Acts of Charity

Reflecting on Matthew 10:42, which tells us that whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of the little ones will not lose their reward, I've been thinking about how to be more mindful of the homeless. In Rome, tour guides often advise against giving money, but I remember seeing a woman praying intently with a rosary in her tin can. Regardless of the situation, I believe God looks at the act of giving itself.

I've had my own 'eureka' moments regarding this. I once gave a man some leftover fried yuca, and he ate it immediately because he was truly hungry. This led me to think of practical ways to help. Since many of us don't carry much cash anymore, we could keep a small cooler in the car with bottled water or perhaps some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In South Florida, where it remains hot even in December, a cold bottle of water can be a great refreshment for someone begging on the street.

## The Heart of a Servant

I've also seen this spirit of positivity in others. I used to work with the Salvation Army bell ringers, where I met a young man who had lost a hand in an accident. Despite his hardships, he had the most positive, God-loving attitude. It reminds us that God often speaks through the least among us.

We are not here to judge why someone is unfortunate; we are here to help. Whether it is donating to the Salvation Army or handing out a bottle of water, these small actions are successes when done through Jesus Christ. God is the best 'boss' we could have because He doesn't demand perfection; He simply asks that we try our best out of love.

*God does not judge us by the scale of our achievements, but by the love with which we perform the smallest acts of service for others.*