The WORD today reminds me that I should be grounded on God and serve him without the need to tell everyone.
In the first reading, we again see a familiar character - Elijah. We saw his many great works in the readings last week. He was used mightily by God. He did great acts blessed by God. He did such great and wondrous deeds in the name of and with the blessing and anointing of God. He has always been founded on the word, firmly grounded on God – doing everything for God’s praise and glory, not his own. We see that his service is genuine and really blessed by God. We also see how he trained his successor Elisha. He successfully trained Elisha, because when asked what he wanted, Elisha asked not for material things, but for a double portion of Elijah's anointing so he can continue his work. And in the reading we see him doing great things as well, because he too was grounded on God.
We need to be grounded on God for Him to do great things to and through us.
In the gospel, we see Jesus telling the disciples not to do good deeds to be noticed and praised by others. We can only do this if we are grounded on God. We can only do this if we just really want to praise and glorify God, and not to get attention from others. If the disciples wanted to be loud and get noticed by others for the work they do, they would already get their reward - worldly praise and affirmation. Worldly because that is the reason for their actions. They do things to be praised and seen by others, not to offer these to God.
We can do good things in secret because God sees what is done in secret.
We need not broadcast our love for God. God wants us to do these things in private, because he sees what we do in private. God does not want us to be distracted by the world and its rewards. God wants us to focus on him as we do these things. If we do these things right - for love of him, then we will be rewarded in eternity by him - the one we offer our prayers, fasting, and good deeds.
The effect of our actions on other people will be the same. They will experience help, regardless of our intentions. It is us who will feel different. It is us who know the difference. The intentions for our actions will be the reason for whatever we will feel - happiness from others’ recognition, or joy from serving God.
We have a lot of opportunity to serve God now. A lot of people need help. We should help out and spread God’s love. But Aside from that, we should also check our hearts and our intentions for doing these things for others.
Do I serve God? In what way? Do I tell others about the ways I serve God, or do I do things in private? Am I grounded on God? Do I pray and aim to build my personal relationship with Him? How can I be grounded on him as I live?
May we always be clear on our intentions as we are grounded on him, and may our hearts always be in the right place.
Father God ,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I do things for others. Sorry for the times I put focus on and value too much on the affirmation and praise of other people. Sorry for not focusing on you. Sorry for not being grounded on you. Lord, Help me focus on you alone. Help me do things for you. Help me be contented with serving you secretly and in silence. May my actions be pleasing to you always. May I always be grounded on you in what I think, say, and do. In this time of pandemic, use me to make you more alive. As I do so, help me be grounded in you always. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
June 17, 2020
Wednesday of Week 11; St. Emily de Vialar
FIRST READING
2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. Fifty of the guild prophets followed and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance. Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.
Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you, And which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men; You screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones! The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
ALLELUIA
John 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
Matthew 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.”
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