Archives » June 18, 2008
A well known minister was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way in the blowing snow and feared he would freeze to death. In despair he sat down, not knowing which way to turn.
Just then, a man came along in a wagon, rescued him and took him to the next village, making sure he would be cared for. As the man prepared to journey on, the minister said, “Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God.”
The man, who by now had recognized the minister, replied, “You are a minister. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan.” The preacher answered, “I cannot do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures.” His benefactor responded, “Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine.” (Source unknown)
This anonymous act of kindness gives witness to our Lord’s warning: “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Mother Teresa reminds us of this message. “I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but when we die and God judges us, he will NOT ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ rather he will ask, ‘How much LOVE did you put into what you did? ”’
It’s not easy to sacrifice for another and never say a word about it. We want to be appreciated. We want others to know that we are good people. Sometimes our good deeds are motivated from a hidden agenda that uses the deed to get what we really want. Let today be different. Check your motive; be an anonymous giver; and receive the highest thanks from God on high.
Permalink | Categories: Living the Gospel Everyday
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Mt 6:1-6
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Permalink | Categories: Gospel Reading of the Day
Jesus uses three warnings about the value of our prayers and service. Do not practice your generosity by making it known through “trumpet blasts”. Do not pray “at street crossings” so that all may see you at prayer. Do not do penance through fasting and making yourselves look like death warmed over so that others may praise your virtue. Give with generosity, pray to the Lord who loves you, sacrifice for others quietly and from sincerity of heart.
Let us pray:
Grant to us, O Lord, a heart renewed; give to us, O Lord, a spirit renewed by your truth and help. Let others’ need prompt our gift, let us find forgiveness in our prayer, let us fulfill our duties in peace and silent resolution. Rev. William Simmons, CSC
Permalink | Categories: Prayer of the Day
