It is human nature to want to be paid for our jobs; and rewarded
for doing what is right—treats and stars when we were little, a paycheck when
doing our jobs, or rewarding ourselves with a pair of shoes, a great meal or a
glass of wine. We sometimes expectreturned
“favors” from those we have helped in the past and like the disciples request
(or even demand) a “reserved seat in heaven.”
He replied, "What do you wish me to
do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit
one at your right and the other at your left." …Jesus said to them, …but
to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom
it has been prepared." Mt 10: 35-36, 40
But as
Jesus said to his disciples, the power, the seat on his right and the seat on
his left, is not for Him to give—that will only be judged by the supreme God on
the final day. And only he knows what he has prepared, and what we have given of
our hearts.
I have come to realize that happiness doesn’t come from instant
gratifications or even from the things that “instantaneously gratify” me (like
fast food and a drive thru) but rather from the smiles I receive for doing something
for someone that isn’t used to receiving, or because someone else has received
God’s miracles which we often take for granted: life, health, happiness, or forgiveness.
How many times have I expected respect, praise or some type
of power just like the disciples “expected” to become the authority by having a
place reserved in heaven? But Jesus was quick to remind them (and us) that it
is the “least” among us who will be rewarded.
Jesus summoned the
Twelve and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers
over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their
authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever
wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to
be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be
served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for
many." Mk 10: 42-45
Our prayers are not supposed to be demands with expectations,
but rather praise and thanksgiving for all that we have been given, and an
invocation for grace (instead of complaint) to accept the sufferings that are a
result of our human choice to disobey (sin) in the Garden of Eden.
Heavenly Father, You are the ultimate power and I am Your
servant. Help me to see and to not overlook those who are in need of a helping
hand. May I have the humility to step forward and selflessly give my time,
talents and treasure so that others may come to know the love, hope and the
strength which only You can give. Thank you for the opportunities this week to
see You in the miracles of innocent children,
the smiles of spouses who are working to
make their marriages as God designed, and the elderly who so joyously looked
forward to the Eucharist. Amen.
Do we ask to receive and serve to be served? Or do we serve
those who serve us—our parents, our employees, and our students—by being
selfless children, employers and teachers?
Do we demand or assume our place is “reserved” in heaven, or
are we constantly serving others as Christ served us—til death do us part?Blessings in Christ,
Charlotte
No comments:
Post a Comment