Thursday of the 14th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: …GIVE WITHOUT PAY
(Matthew 10:7–15)
Jesus gave some instructions to the apostles as He sent them out to preach. After the many duties and tasks, the great manifestations and wonders, Jesus made an important reminder to them: “You received without pay, give without pay…”
This is never what we want to hear. We usually forget this. We do not want to be reminded of it at all. We overemphasize on what to gain in our works, in our missions and in the tasks entrusted to us.
Jesus is telling us today to remember that the pay should not be our driving force but the fulfilment and job satisfaction. So, let ministers of the word and sacraments not build their hopes just on what to get but give out cheerfully what they have received from the Lord. The government officials and public servants should desist from capitalising on what they will gain from the public fund while rendering their services to the public. Contractors should not allow greed for money to make them give out substandard projects to the people.
Let us remember that all we have, we have received from God. Let us remember God as we use these gifts. Let the glory of God, and not just our human satisfaction, be our motivation and inspiration in all we do. God will not fail to bless us with what we need to be happy here on earth.
LET US PRAY
Oh Lord, poverty, greed and love for riches have made us forget your will for us at many occasions and under various conditions. We are sorry for being drawn to material gains and allowing ourselves to be driven by getting instead of giving. Help us to believe that You will certainly not abandon us once we do our duties with sincerity, love and obedience to your word. Bless us always and be glorified for ever and ever through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Thursday (14th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh