In the first reading, the writer of the Book of Wisdom sets God's design for the world before us. The expression, "the souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God," is meant to show that those who live according to God's will are in His care. Although in the minds of the wicked, the virtuous have been punished, in God's design, this is not so. The virtuous are really alive in God. Their sufferings and death in this life may appear to be a punishment, but these are a form of correction and testing of fidelity in which God recognizes those worthy of Him. Being purified and as finished products, the virtuous are ready to be assimilated by God.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds the disciples that it is inevitable that they will undergo suffering and be expected to make sacrifices to be His followers. The disciples are not to seek their worth in themselves or their work for the Lord. Servants of God should not think they automatically deserve God's reward. God's graciousness is and remains His gift. If good work is expected of any ordinary servant as part of his or her daily duties, should not a disciple of Jesus be faithful and diligent in his or her work for the Master without expecting anything in return? Therefore, we are reminded that just because we are Christians does not mean we can claim God's rewards. The Lord rewards whom He wishes, and as He wishes, out of His graciousness.