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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