April 19 – The Integrity of the Ant

“Those who are faithful in very small matters will also be faithful in great matters; those who are dishonest in very small matters will also be dishonest in great matters.” Luke 16:10

Consider the humble ant, tirelessly working to gather food and maintain its colony. Each individual ant may seem insignificant, but through their collective efforts, they create a thriving, sustainable community. The ant teaches us the importance of integrity and diligence in even the smallest of tasks. Luke 16:10 reminds us that our character is shaped by the way we handle the little things in life. St Francis, too, understood the value of humility and faithfulness in all matters, great and small. By cultivating a spirit of integrity and mindfulness in our daily lives, we become trustworthy stewards of the Earth and all its resources. As we learn to be faithful in the small matters of conserving energy, reducing waste, and caring for our local ecosystems, we develop the character and skills needed to tackle the greater challenges of sustainability and justice.

Reflection:
In what small ways can I practice integrity and mindfulness today?

How can I cultivate a spirit of faithful stewardship in my daily life?

Prayer:

Loving Creator, grant me the diligence and integrity of the ant. Help me to be faithful in the small matters of daily life, that I may become a trustworthy steward of your Creation. Guide me in using my time, talents, and resources to build a more sustainable and just world for all.