Do you give your best without expecting to be rewarded? - Daily Reflections November 11,2014

THE PROFIT OF BEING

AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT

 

It is customary for government officials to put up billboards of their projects, even indicating that it is “their” project. But in reality, it is not their money but the taxpayers’ money that is being used. However, people tend to be indebted to the official because they are led to believe they owe it to the official. This shouldn’t be so because the official only initiated it. Even then, the question is, “Is the project part of the ‘responsibility’ of the official?” If so, it is only proper that he accomplish the project without expecting indebtedness from the people. It is another story if the official would provide his constituents with houses, cars or businesses using his own money. Only then should the people be indebted to him. Otherwise, just as in the Gospel  today, the official should say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

       Jesus actually warns us in presuming that just because we did some things for God, He owes us something. If we pray, make sacrifices, do acts of charity, and follow His commands, does God owe us anything? No. God owes us nothing. In fact, He will never owe us anything because everything comes from Him. In the end, we might not even be able to say we have accomplished what He commanded us to do. Rather, that we be found wanting, and so we ask for forgiveness and understanding for our lack. We are less than being unprofitable.

       But it must not discourage us from striving. Jesus does not want us to be disheartened because we will remain “unprofitable” if that is our attitude. His point is that we be humble at all times. He wants us to be completely and always dependent on God. While we give our best, God will be there to do the rest. The goal and purpose of life is not for God to owe us but to be with Him who is the source of all graces. With Him, we will not be in need. With Him, we will always have enough. Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you give your best without expecting to be rewarded?

 

Thank You for the reminder, Lord, that we need to do what we are obliged to do without expecting to be rewarded. Help us to just do our best and trust that You will do the rest.