What does it mean to be little? God became little to enter our world. Imagine: A tiny cell grew in Mary’s womb to be born an infant–our Savior Jesus Christ.
Of course, being little is not necessarily about physical size. God humbled Himself to join us on earth. In this act of divine humility, God embraced smallness and vulnerability, being born as a helpless child rather than entering the world as a powerful ruler.
To enter God’s Kingdom, we are meant to do the same. “To become a child in relation to God is the condition for entering the Kingdom. For this we must humble ourselves and become little” [CCC 526].
Little Steps Toward Humility
St. Thérèse of Lisieux spoke of the “little way” in her autobiography Story of a Soul–the way of trust and absolute surrender. I confess at times, littleness is hard for me to accept. Words like “vulnerability,” “weakness,” “surrender,” conjure up feelings of inadequacy, humiliation, and failure.
During these times, I find it difficult to praise God and be thankful which makes me vulnerable to the devil’s temptations. However, God has a way of drawing me back to His way. Consider the writings of St. Paul. “God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong” [1 Corinthians 1:27].
St. Thérèse and St. Paul both demonstrated that the spiritual journey requires patience and honesty by way of humility. Remember: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” [James 4:6]. Each step toward humility helps us to see—with God’s grace—how vulnerability becomes strength and surrender becomes true freedom. I am not there yet, but I am working on it.
Grow in Littleness
In all humility, becoming little opens us to the transformative wisdom and grace that come from God alone. Our willingness to be little offers us a deeper intimacy with our Lord and Savior. Therefore, surrendering our pride and relying fully on God allows His power to work through our weakness and His wisdom to shape our lives.
By way of this transformation, we are empowered to trust, serve, and love more fully, confident that His wisdom and grace guide us beyond our limitations. Through our littleness, we see the greatness of God in our lives. Choosing spiritual littleness is an act of faith, hope, and love, which can grow through simple ways:
- Serve quietly: Look for opportunities to help others without drawing attention to ourselves or expecting praise, following Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet [John 13:14–15].
- Admit mistakes: When we are wrong, acknowledge it honestly and ask for forgiveness. “Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy” [Proverbs 28:13].
- Trust God in challenges: In moments of weakness or uncertainty, surrender our fears to God and rely on His wisdom and strength, remembering Paul’s words, “God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong” [1 Corinthians 1:27].
- Practice gratitude: Regularly thank God for the small gifts and unnoticed blessings in our life, cultivating a heart that recognizes dependence on Him.
With humble and contrite hearts, may we serve, trust, and rely on Him alone. May we all grow in littleness, becoming open vessels for God’s love and strength in the world. Doing so keeps us on the path to heaven. Let it be so!
