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God is under no obligation to reward us for whatever we do for Him or for others because of Him. There can never be a "credit balance" in our relationship with Him. We cannot claim or accumulate our rights before God...for whatever good we do is in fact God's right or claim on us. We appear in God's presence without claims of righteousness. (Lk. 18:9-14). Just as in human relationships with one another, husband and wife, parents and children, where there is an attachment of love, there is always the sense of not having done enough. At the very heart of all spirituality is the doing our duty without expectations of the fruits thereof. What makes life meaningful and rewarding is what we do without counting the cost. What we give generously, over and above without being asked. The joy that comes from the 'giving' and 'doing' out of unconditional and unpretentious love is reward enough. This parable applies very strongly to all who are called to render special service to the Church, leaders of BECs and of Church organisations, lay ministers and religious as well as priests. Lord, You are our source of joy, and everything on this earth. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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