In the first reading, the writer of the Book of Wisdom sets before us God's design for the world. 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 in fact, a form of correction and testing of fidelity in which God recognises 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 sufferings and be expected to make sacrifices in order to be his followers. The disciples are not to seek their worth in themselves or in their work for the Lord. Servants of God should not think they are automatically deserving of God's reward. God's graciousness is, and remains a sheer 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, it does not mean we can lay claim on God's rewards. The Lord rewards whom he wishes, and as he wishes, out of His sheer graciousness.