The Gospel of today contains a very accurate observation that is also a wise piece of advice: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Fidelity!
What a wonderful quality that we would all like to benefit from. What assurance we have if we can count on a friend who is loyal and faithful. What consolation to know that our partner in life is a faithful spouse. What good could be done if priests and religious were always faithful to their commitments to God and their superiors.
Likewise, what dread fills us when we think of the treacherous friend, of the unfaithful spouse, or the lukewarm person of God.
Fidelity is a virtue of strength. A person may be amiable to us—but he is a faithful friend only if that bond of friendship endures even in times of trouble and need.
We may have been attracted to our lifelong partner, but fidelity will be tested only if the union remains strong even if the attraction has faded and the problems of daily living have to be faced.
A consecrated person is faithful—and there are many wonderful examples in our midst—when he remains in his station, even when the odds of indifferentism are up against him. And because it is a virtue of strength, faithfulness has to be natured by little things.
Those strong cables that are capable of holding up tons of concrete and steel, get their strength from each small strand that makes it up. So fidelity in our commitments will only be possible if we are faithful in little things.
Do you want to be a faithful friend? Don’t neglect those manifestations of friendship that will nurture your relationship. Remove any trace of duplicity in your dealings, and be really interested in the good of your friends. Don’t give in to the suggestion of envy or jealousy, that would transform friendship into rivalry.
Do you want to be a good spouse? Be faithful in little things. Guard your heart, and have eyes only for your spouse. That wedding ring, to proclaim to the world that you are committed, should be your bond of protection. Those stolen glances, that flirty conversation—those are the little things that can undermine a lifelong loving relationship.
And what can I say of consecrated person? Be faithful to your chosen vocation. Do not be side-stepped by other concerns that may, perhaps, give more immediate gratification. We are supposed to be men of God—let us not neglect our personal friendship with God.
We are supposed to serve people; let us not look out for ourselves. Keep up the initial fire that made us serve God, and do not look around for other activities that will deviate us from the mission God has given us. Now, more than at any other time, God needs persons who will serve Him, full time and 100 percent.