Why Little Things Matter?

Reflection Date: July 27, 2026 | Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Matthew 13:31-35

Children of God:
Good news! A young gen X is now on his way to sainthood!

This young man I am talking about is the Venerable Guido Schäffer.

Venerable Guido Schäffer was a Brazilian doctor, an avid surfer, and later a seminarian who became widely known as Brazil's "Surfer Angel" or "Anjo Surfista." 

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1974, he enjoyed sports, the sea, and the vibrant life of young people. 

After completing his medical studies, he specialized in caring for the poor and devoted much of his time to serving homeless people. 

While surfing remained one of his greatest passions, his love for Christ gradually became the center of his life. 

Feeling called to the priesthood, he entered the seminary while continuing his charitable work and joyful witness among the youth. 

Guido believed that holiness could be lived in ordinary life, whether on the beach, in the hospital, or in the classroom. 

His cheerful faith inspired many young people to take their relationship with God seriously without losing their joy for life. 

In 2009, while surfing, he drowned after being struck by a large wave before he could be ordained a priest. 

Although his earthly life ended unexpectedly, his witness continues to inspire thousands, and the Church now honors him with the title Venerable because of his heroic virtues. 

In the gospel story of Matthew, Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed and a little yeast that quietly transformed everything around them.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, God uses small beginnings to accomplish great things.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven resembled a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds that eventually grew into a large tree where birds found shelter. 

Those who first saw the tiny seed could hardly imagine the greatness hidden within it. 

Yet God delighted in beginning with what appeared insignificant.

Many people become discouraged because they think their efforts are too small to matter. 

A simple prayer, a word of encouragement, a hidden sacrifice, or a quiet act of kindness may seem insignificant. 

Yet in God's hands, these little acts become seeds that bear abundant fruit far beyond what we can see.

Venerable Guido Schäffer never founded a large organization or became famous during his lifetime. 

He simply loved Christ, cared for the poor, and shared his faith naturally with those around him. 

Those small, faithful choices continue to inspire countless young people throughout the world.

God uses small beginnings to accomplish great things

Second, a life transformed by God also transforms others.

Jesus also compared the Kingdom to yeast mixed into flour until the entire dough was leavened. 

Yeast worked silently and invisibly, yet its effect reached every part of the dough. 

God's grace often worked in the same quiet way, changing hearts little by little.

Our witness does not always require grand speeches or dramatic accomplishments. 

A joyful Christian life, lived consistently with honesty, compassion, and humility, influences others more deeply than we often realize. 

Family members, friends, coworkers, and even strangers notice the quiet example of authentic faith.

The life of Guido Schäffer reflected this hidden power. Whether treating patients, enjoying the ocean, or preparing for the priesthood, he quietly radiated Christ. 

His witness reminds us that holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people but is possible in the ordinary routines of daily life.

A life transformed by God also transforms others.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I underestimate the value of the small acts of goodness I perform each day? 

How am I allowing God's grace to transform my own heart? In what simple ways can I become a quiet witness of Christ to the people around me?

Children of God:
Jesus teaches us that God's Kingdom often begins in ways the world hardly notices. 

We are called to trust that God can accomplish extraordinary things through our ordinary faithfulness. 

We should never despise small beginnings because God certainly does not. 

May we faithfully plant seeds of goodness wherever we are. 

Then, in God's perfect time, those seeds will bear fruit beyond anything we can imagine.