Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Bible Reflections I 16.06.2021 - Wednesday I Indraya Manna I
Readings:
I - 2Cor. 9:6-11
II - Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18
CONCERNING ALMS GIVING, PRAYER AND FASTING
Through today’s Gospel passage Jesus tries to alter the human focus from earthly reward to heavenly reward while practicing the acts of piety. Since these acts of piety viz. almsgiving, prayer and fasting are attributed to God, they must be accomplished with an undivided attention and utmost concentration solely with the intention of pleasing God alone unlike the hypocrites and the Pharisees who sort for human appreciation and applause.
Once an elderly priest encountered me for a casual chat and as we were about to part he said, “even if the whole world hails you and still God says, ‘my son you have disappointed me’ you’ve failed as a child of God. Instead if the whole world despises you and God says, ‘my son. I’m pleased with you’. You have achieved all as a child of God. The choice is yours”. The praises of the world does not follow us up to heaven. It is our intention and attitude that will follow to gain merit in the sight of the Lord
When once St. John of the Cross was praying, Jesus asked him, “What would you like to have from me for all you have done and all you have suffered?” John replied, “Lord, to suffer and be despised for you”. “It is better to be the child of God than king of the whole world” says St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Like these saints, do we have the courage to forego the praises, glory and honour of this world to gain all of them from God alone? . In every one of our act let us examine ‘For whom I am doing this? Whom do I want to please?” This is the wisdom of heart and grace of God. May the Lord give us the grace to choose to please God alone in all our thoughts, words and deeds and prove ourselves to be the children of God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)