2026/10/25 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Victor Lara, Manager of Discipleship & Engagement

Over this past year at Saint Clement, I've had the blessing of experiencing ministry from two very different yet deeply connected perspectives. What began as a role centered on events, logistics, and hospitality has gradually blossomed into something much greater: accompanying others in their journey of faith and discipleship. 

And through it all, God has been teaching me one virtue: humility. 

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34–40). 

At first glance, these commandments seem simple. Yet, when we consider our daily responsibilities, they become an invitation to something much more profound. 

I've come to realize that ministry doesn't begin when we lead a formation session, facilitate a small group, or accompany someone toward the sacraments. The ministry begins much earlier. It begins when we set up a chair for someone we may never meet, respond swiftly and kindly to emails, welcome a stranger through our doors, or stay behind to clean up after everyone has gone home. 

These seemingly ordinary tasks become extraordinary when performed with divine love. 

My transition from events into ministry has reminded me that the impact of our work cannot always be measured by attendance numbers, successful courses, or completed projects. Sometimes, the greatest impact is found in a quiet conversation, a person feeling welcomed for the first time, or someone discovering that Christ has never stopped pursuing them. 

And perhaps that's where humility truly lives, recognizing that we are not the center of the ministry. Christ is. 

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux teaches us through her Little Way that holiness can be found in the smallest acts of love. As I continue growing in my role, I am reminded that leadership in the Church is not about how many people we lead, but how faithfully we serve. 

My invitation to all of us this week is simple: Let us never become too important to do the little things, because nothing done with great love is ever little in the eyes of God.