By Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: 1 Thes 1: 1- 5, 8b-–10; Mt 23: 13 – 22
“If you only intent to be seen, you’ll never be seen. If your intent is to be happy, comfortable, genuine, and true in craft, you’re destined to be noticed”. – Doja Cat
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls the Scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites who act to show their little good deeds to get attention from people so that they get name and fame. It is true and applicable in my life too while living in the community and elsewhere.
Many times, in my life, I too have been like those Scribes and Pharisees acting out to show my works to people so that I may be rewarded. Sometimes I worked harder than usual when my formators were observing my work so that they would be happy. There were times I go to the chapel to pray when there are people inside so that my action (prayer) may be seen by others, and so that they say may see how well I do in spiritual field.
Sometimes I walk holy in front of people and act as though I know everything so that they may see how smart I am. And there are many more things I do just to please people and get pleasure out of what I do. But today, Jesus calls me to surrender myself before the Lord who is in heaven, so that I may be with him in the promised city of God. Today, God calls me to be true in doing my works and be genuine in my faith.
Dear God, help me in my weaknesses to stand firm in my thoughts and actions so that whatever I do, I may do genuinely and bring you glory.