Spiritual Growth Spurts: Are You Ready?
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with growing taller. My parents regularly measured my height, and I faithfully drank my vitamin supplements, which promised to turn me into a seven-foot giant. I was always frustrated with it because it wouldn’t work, as I was still the shortest kid in my class year after year. Then, in my teens, I finally had a growth spurt. Even though it wasn’t much, I was no longer the shortest. Ironically, I had already given up on the vitamins by then. That’s when it hit me: my height was more about genetics than my own efforts.
It’s funny how we try to control things, isn’t it? We think if we just work hard enough, we can force the outcome we want. But, like my height, so much of life is beyond our control. It’s in God’s hands.
This is what Jeremiah reminds us in today’s reading: “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings… Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” If we put all our confidence in ourselves—our success, wealth, or the approval of others—we might feel secure for a while. But like a dry bush in the desert, we’ll eventually wither. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t trust others. Instead, Jeremiah is asking: Who holds your heart?
We all have responsibilities, families, and daily struggles. But where do we turn for real strength? Our lives might look good on the surface, but inside, we restlessly long for something more.
Jeremiah gives us a better way: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. ” This person is like a tree planted by water—continually growing and strong because that person trusts in the Lord.
Jesus echoes this idea in the Gospel: “Blessed are you who are poor… hungry… weeping.” This isn’t necessarily about seeking pain and destitution. Instead, Jesus shows us that people who don’t cling to wealth, comfort, or popularity are truly free. Their happiness isn’t dependent on things that fade away. Instead, their hearts belong to God, who always turns His heart to such people with a humble disposition and shares with them true rest rooted in Him.
As our parish grows, this message is more important than ever. More people, more ministries, and new challenges will come. But are we measuring success by numbers and appearances? Or is it instead by how deeply we trust in God? If we prioritize putting our faith and trust in the Lord, we’ll flourish like those strong trees by the water, ready to welcome, serve, and love others from a place of authentic love.
So, where does your heart truly rest? If you’ve been relying on your own efforts, let God gently take the lead. When we trust Him, we’ll grow in ways we never expected—a “growth spurt of the spirit.”
-Br. Miggo
