Secret Service

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061715.cfm) reminds me of the importance of doing good things for the right reasons.

When we hear the word secret service, we sometimes associate it with US security, agents and spies. They work secretly and blend in as normal people as they do their work of intelligence gathering and protection. People do not know that they are interacting with these security personnel. In a way, this is how God wants us to act as we do things for him.

Real service to God should be known only to God.

In the first reading, we see that God wants us to give cheerfully. Giving is good. In fact, it was also mentioned that we are filled and blessed so that we can give more to others. However, we need not tell everyone who we are giving to or how much we are giving, or why we are giving. The gospel warns us of the state of our hearts as we do things for God – as we give, as we pray, as we offer sacrifices. The focus should be on God, and other people need not know we are doing these things. Focus should never be on ourselves.

This is a good reminder for us. Sometimes, as human beings, we want affirmation and acknowledgement. Yes, we do things for God, but sometimes we want to be affirmed that we are doing the right thing, or that we are appreciated for what we do. This should not be the case. God’s affirmation is enough. God’s approval is enough. Seeking for human approval or affirmation for things we do for God may seem harmless at first, but this may lead to constantly looking for it, and eventually change the intention from serving God to seeking approval, affirmation and praise.

May we be willing to just trust in God, that he sees the service done for him in secret, even if we do not get human affirmation, approval or acknowledgement.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another reminder. Thank you for knowing me so much. Lord, sorry for the times I give importance to human affirmation, acknowledgement or approval as I do things for you. sorry for losing my focus on you as I seek these things. Lord, help me just focus in you. help me to just do things for you, only for you. I know it pleases you. Even if I don’t get human affirmation as I serve you, I will just continue since I am doing things for you, not for anyone else. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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June 17, 2015

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 367

Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-11

Brothers and sisters, consider this:

whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.

Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,

so that in all things, always having all you need,

you may have an abundance for every good work.

As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food

will supply and multiply your seed

and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity,

which through us produces thanksgiving to God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9

R. (1b) Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,

who greatly delights in his commands.

His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;

the upright generation shall be blessed.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house;

his generosity shall endure forever.

Light shines through the darkness for the upright;

he is gracious and merciful and just.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Lavishly he gives to the poor;

his generosity shall endure forever;

his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever loves me will keep my word,

and my Father will love him

and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Take care not to perform righteous deeds

in order that people may see them;

otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets

to win the praise of others.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you give alms,

do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,

so that your almsgiving may be secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,

who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners

so that others may see them.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,

and pray to your Father in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

They neglect their appearance,

so that they may appear to others to be fasting.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,

except to your Father who is hidden.

And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”