Daily Devotional

One may ask, “Why are there so many steps? If someone sins against us, why don’t we move on? Through these steps, Jesus wants us to make an effort to win back one who has sinned against us. Give them an opportunity to repent before surrendering them to God. Remember: There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than the ninety-nine who do not need repentance.

God’s kingdom does not operate like our human empires where might is right, where the poor, the weak, and the little ones are trampled underfoot. The principle of greatness before God is not how much money you have or what you have achieved in life. No. The principle of greatness in God’s sight is humility and service. Jesus says: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

St. Lawrence did not simply give to the poor; his giving was at the risk of his own life. Jesus says that unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it remains alone, but after it dies, it bears much fruit. It is always painful whenever we make sacrifices for God’s sake, but we must remember that our pain, like the death of the seed buried under the ground, will yield a great harvest.