Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Today’s readings
1. Wisdom
2: 23 -24; 3, 1-9
2. Luke
17, 7-10
When you fulfill your duty there is no room for merit,
self pity, pride or boasting. You have done only your duty. If you have done
your duty don’t show off. “If you show off do not get upset when God doesn't
show up,” said Matshona Dhliwayo, a writer from Zimbabwe. The following utterances
disclose pity felt for self: what’s the use? I have sacrificed but to what
purpose? Jesus in the parable of today’s Gospel rejects the idea that God owes
us something. When we have done our best we have only done our duty. St.
Ambrose tells us: “Boast not yourself then that you have been a good servant.
You have done what you ought to have done. The sun obeys, the moon submits
herself, the angels are subjects; let us not then seek praise from ourselves.” Boast in the Lord, boast not yourself. This
attitude is the cure for self pity.
Prayer,
God our Father!
What I receive from you is grace and goodness, and not reward. Help me to work
in quiet joy leaving the issue of reward in your hands. Amen!
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