DISCIPLES 24/7

 

DISCIPLES 24/7 

 

Isn’t there a little Pharisee in all of us? We easily view the relationship between  God and us under the form of a contract: I give so as to receive. After we have  done something for the Lord, we expect a salary. The parable rejects this way  of thinking. God owes us nothing, not even gratitude. Yes, we acknowledge  our weaknesses and sins, but we are also tempted to excuse ourselves a lot, like  an employee before his employer. It is the others who caused us to commit  this or that sin. I cannot tell how often I have a hard time hearing confession  when penitents accuse the husband, the neighbor, or somebody in the office  for causing anger or resentment or harsh words. It’s always the others, not me.  I am a victim of the bad people around me.  

 

The next step is that we begin to tell God that we are not bad at all. “Am  I not doing so much good, Lord? I pray regularly, I always go to Mass.” Oh  yes, we have a hard time admitting our faults, that we are sinners in dire need  of God’s abundant compassion. We try to bargain with Him. 

 

Jesus had foreseen this and told His disciples—and us—that we can never  put God in our debt. When we have done our best, we have shown only our  gratitude to God who has done so much for us that we could never repay Him. 

 

Who are we to criticize or judge God? When Saint John Paul II became  weaker, when he was confined to the wheelchair throne, many urged him to  retire and rest. But he would not give in. He wanted to die with his boots on  in the service of his Master. What a dedication! 

 

Jesus did not intend to give a picture of God as a master and us as His slaves.  No, He wants us to be servants who are aware of God’s infinite greatness. He  wants us to show total dedication. God is not limited to eight hours of service  a day. He wants disciples who are His followers 24/7. As we do not measure  our love when we deal with a loved one, we also do not measure our love when  we deal with God who is love. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION 

Do you do everything for the Lord out of love, as gratitude for the love He has  shown you? 

 

Lord, You reward me with so many good things I take for granted. Increase my faith and love.  Amen.  

 

Today, I pray for: __________________________________________________________