Growth in the spiritual life rarely happens the way we expect. We often imagine it as a series of achievements, accomplishments, or visible signs of progress. Yet Jesus points us to something much quieter: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin” (Mt 6:28).
As I reflected on this idea during my morning prayer, I contemplated how the lily does not struggle to become beautiful. It simply receives what God provides: sunlight, rain, and nourishment from the earth. In much the same way, spiritual growth begins not with striving, but with surrender. We grow when we remain rooted in prayer, nourished by Scripture, strengthened by the sacraments, and open to God’s grace.
Often, the deepest growth is hidden. Patience during suffering, forgiveness after being wounded, trust amid uncertainty, or faithfulness in ordinary duties may seem insignificant. Yet these are often the very places where God is quietly transforming the heart.
The lily does not bloom overnight. Neither do we. God works with a gentle persistence, shaping us day by day into the people He created us to be. Our task is not to force growth, but to remain close to Him who gives the growth.
Today, consider the lilies. Then consider your own soul. Perhaps God is at work in ways you cannot yet see, bringing forth a beauty that will bloom in His perfect time. Let’s grow like the lillies.
