A gem from Saint Teresa of Calcutta that is often repeated is, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” For her patron saint, this Saint chose not the great Saint Teresa of Avila, but Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. The Little Flower became popular for her practice of the “little way.” Both saints emphasized the value of doing little ordinary things for God. We can attain holiness through ordinary things.

Most of our life is humdrum, repetitive. We shop, cook, eat, and wash the dishes. We dust, mop, polish and do laundry. Once in a blue moon, we do something spectacular, like give birth or save a life. But Saint Gianna Molla said, “One earns paradise with one’s daily tasks.” When we do them well and to honor God, they merit grace, which is our ticket to heaven.

Jesus’s Example

Jesus spent about twenty years in construction work, sawing wood and erecting walls. We might consider this a waste of his precious time. Instead of leading a “hidden” life, the Son of God could have used those years to travel around the world preaching about the kingdom of God and healing the sick. Obviously being a carpenter, a blue-collar worker, for most of his life was God’s will for him. Jesus docilely accepted that role and did superior work, never cheating his customers or boss.

Mary’s Example

Then there is the most powerful woman in the world, our Blessed Mother. Mary’s life was a round of boring chores. She kneaded bread, fetched water, spun yarn, sewed clothes, and did laundry. She was not called to rule as a queen on earth or write a book of wisdom. But Mary didn’t mind or complain. She was doing every mundane chore for Jesus. You can too.

What about You?

Don’t worry if you do not wind up in the Guinness World Records book or become a canonized Saint. Those whose lives you touch will be grateful, and God will reward you. You may not build a hospital, but you can visit your sick relative. You may not be a missionary in China, but you can share God’s Word with a neighbor. You may not establish world peace, but you can keep peace in your family. You may not be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but you can sing in your parish choir. You may not win a Pulitzer Prize for a novel, but you can write a note to a friend. You may not be a martyr, but you can suffer little aches and pains quietly and patiently.

So what if you are not a CEO at a business but a peon? So what if you are not an astronaut but a stay-at-home mom? So what if you are not president of your club or organization but just a member?

Saint Paul taught, “Do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Making every small act a gift for God is like turning sand into gold.

Most of the little things you do with love will go unnoticed. No one but God will know how you bit your tongue to stop from criticizing or complaining. No one will see how carefully you dusted furniture or swept a room. No one will be aware that you remembered to pray your night prayers.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux advised, “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” Achieve holiness through little ordinary things.

Coincidentally, this week someone posted this quotation on Facebook:

Sister Mary Beth Gray, SND, composed the following beautiful song based on Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s words. To my surprise, it was on YouTube but not attributed to her.

• What bit of sand can you turn into gold?