SMALL FLOCK

Why does Jesus call his disciples the “little flock”? To understand this, we must go to the Apocalypse of John, where he describes those who have passed through the great tribulation while keeping their garments white (cf. Rev 7:14). In a word, the little flock is made up of a minority of Christians faithful to the Gospel, firmly anchored to the faith received and therefore witnesses of a new humanity. It is precisely through them, Jesus makes us understand, that the power of God and the imagination of the Spirit work. They also have a second characteristic, as we have mentioned: they are faithful, obstinately faithful. In a world of compromises, where for personal gain one is inclined to adopt the trends and fashions of the moment, the small flock – without being closed in on itself, without fanaticism or judgment – remains firm in its values. A third characteristic is service, because the evangelical values ​​professed are lived values. Orthodoxy is always an orthopraxy. The small flock does not feel disproportionate but throws itself into the world like good seed. It is a minority, certainly, but it spreads everywhere and is encountered everywhere. The small flock never trusts in itself, but always in God; it does not even trust in its own strength, much less in violence or power. It trusts only in God and nourishes respect towards its neighbour in sincere charity (this is the fourth characteristic). It is to this small flock that the Master addresses the exhortation to be vigilant. Not only that, but also not to be afraid (Lk 12:32). Why? Because what truly matters is already with God, the Father, Jesus says, “it has pleased the Father to give you the Kingdom” (Lk 12:32b). Hence the sharing with all, especially the poor (cf. Lk 12:33), while at the same time keeping one’s heart oriented towards the true treasure (cf. Lk 12:34). There is an aspect that characterizes the small remnant: waiting for the Lord. We do not know when he will return but we know that he will come suddenly. Hence the invitation to ardent and passionate vigilance.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb
Abbazia di Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,
Prinknash Abbey