Saturday, March 19, 2016

Silent Service


The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031916.cfm) reminds me that we need not announce to the world what we do for God. 

Silence is not something easy for a lot of people. In school, there are a lot of students getting on the "noisy" list, but not so much those who are given exemplary conduct. In life, there are a lot of people who make news, who publicize things for attention. People are noisy. Because most often than not, we need to be noisy to be heard, or to be noticed. This works in the world, but not with God. 

God values the work we do for him, even if done in silence. 

God does not need us to tell the world what we do for him. Look at St Joseph whose feast we are celebrating today.  Aside from being the earthly father of Jesus, very Little is known about him – but we know he had an important role in the salvation history. He was there to help, support and care for Mama Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. He was the earthly father who took care of Jesus as an infant, and probably taught him carpentry. We cannot deny he was a true follower of God. In today’s reading, we see him having the decency and righteousness not to want Mary to be exposed to shame for being pregnant without a husband. We also see his faith and obedience in God - when the angel told him to take Mary into his home, he followed.

God does not need grand gestures for him to know that we love him.

We sometimes think God is like us humans, that we need to do grand things for him to notice us. We think that we need to announce the good that we are doing so that others can affirm us and we sometimes equate that to God’s affirmation as well. God is not like us. He looks at the heart and it does not matter if we work silently – he still sees our hearts. 

God is sensitive. He hears and sees what people cannot. He sees the quiet and sincere heart we have for Him, so we need not broadcast all the good we are doing for Him. People’s affirmation does not always mean God’s affirmation.

May we be inspired by St Joseph to work silently for the Lord, and follow God no matter how challenging the situation may be. Like St Joseph, may we find joy in doing little things, normal things for God. May we take on his example and apply it in everyday decisions and actions in loving and serving God.

Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for giving us St Joseph – a human being too but has the qualities of a great servant of God. I am sorry for the times I seek human affirmation and recognition for the work I do for you. Sorry for the times I think that I need to get their attention in order to get yours. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart like St Joseph. May I never want praise and attention to myself, but work hard and silently to build your kingdom. May I be sensitive to others and put the welfare of others above my own, above my concerns. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,
-g-

Ps
See related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/03/silent-worker.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/03/josephs-faith-and-simplicity.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/st-joseph_9019.html
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/silent-worker.html

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