Of Helping and Giving

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/110413.cfm) reminds me that we should not expect anything in return for doing good.

When we give something to someone, or do something good to someone, we somehow, consciously or not expect that person to be at least good to us - as a way of saying thank you. When we give a gift, we expect the person to at least say thank you. That maybe is just normal, but one wise person once told me that we should not expect anything, even a thank you, as we do things for others. Why? Because when we help others, the intention should be to help, period. We should not help expecting the person to feel a sense of 'utang na loob' or to have a favor to us. That is self serving. How the person takes it or reacts to the help we give should be of no concern to us.

This is what Jesus is saying in the gospel. Helping others is not an investment. Helping is not a fallback in case you would be needing help in the future. You don’t help people to they owe you something, just in case you would be needing their help in the future. Giving to others is not for future savings, so you would be able to ask from them when you are in need. Helping is helping, giving is giving, period.

May we always remember this, and may our intentions always be pure as we do things for others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. Lord, as I start the week, I pray that I always be reminded of the reason I should help. May my intentions always be pure as I do things for others, and may i not treat helping as an investment for the future. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-