My Simple Reflection: Shine For God

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060915.cfm) reminds me that we should always shine for God.

All our actions should magnify and glorify God.

The gospel shows us Jesus telling his disciples to be salt and light. In ancient times, salt was used not only to give food taste, but mainly to preserve food. Salt is not the main ingredient or the focus in cooking. If it was, food will be salty. The same way, as disciples of God, we should preserve not food, but the people God has chosen. We should preserve God’s kingdom in whatever capacity we can, and as we do so, the focus should never be on ourselves and what we are doing, but on God - his greatness, his kingdom.

Jesus also tells his disciples they are the light. Not just ordinary light, but light of the world. A lamp does not keep light to itself. It is put on a lampstand to illuminate the house. Again, focus is not on the light. As we work for God, as we bring light into the world by proclaiming his kingdom and serving God, the focus should not be on our accomplishments, or on how many people we’ve helped or brought to the faith. The focus should always be on God. As Jesus tells them, people should see our good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.

Nowadays, it is not always easy to live this. We see a lot of good intentions and good people, but once worldly accomplishments and praise get to them, they start to lose focus on their cause. They get corrupted. They put the focus on themselves already. We are reminded today not to let that happen. In everything we say, do or think, and in every accomplishment and acknowledgement, we should always bring the focus to God. We should always bring back the glory to God. We should always shine for God.

May we remember the prayer of the psalmist – to let God’s face shine on us, so we can reflect only that – God’s face, to others.

Do I excel in the things that I do? Do I give my best in what I do? For whom do I achieve and excel? Am I working hard for God? Do I glorify God in my actions, and bring him all the glory and fame that he rightfully deserves? Do I keep my focus on him? Do I shine for him?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me who I should always be glorifying. Lord, I know at times I get distracted, that even if I work for you, sometimes I want to receive recognition and affirmation on my actions. Help me Lord to always remember that I am doing everything for you and your greater glory. Help me focus on you and keep my eyes on you. May I never lose sight of you. May my actions and accomplishments reflect you. Help me shine for you in everything I do. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/shine-for-god.html

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June 9, 2015

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 360

Reading 1 2 Cor 1:18-22

Brothers and sisters:

As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.”

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us,

Silvanus and Timothy and me,

was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him.

For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;

therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.

But the one who gives us security with you in Christ

and who anointed us is God;

he has also put his seal upon us

and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Responsorial Psalm PS 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R. (135a) Lord, let your face shine on me.

Wonderful are your decrees;

therefore I observe them.