17/06/2020
SPOTLIGHT
Sometimes we tend to believe that the things we do are for the benefit of others, whoever may be on the receiving end. However, there are times we accomplish things for our own sake, perhaps to build a reputation, or to earn something in exchange. We may “show off” our good deeds to please people, but we forget who we have to truly please - God.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus outlines how we pray, give alms, and fast, not in a way that draws attention to ourselves, but in a manner that displays our true intention. More importantly, He reminds us that what we do is for God and others, not for our own benefit.
I grew up as someone who always sought to be seen and validated especially as I do numerous things. Everyone, at some point in their life, dreams of standing under the spotlight -- to be recognized for all their efforts and actions.
I, too, had this same dream of working my way to the top and to be acknowledged by others, whether it be in service, or in the little things I do. However, with this aspiration in mind, I had forgotten the true purpose of what I do--the real reason as to why I commit myself to service, as to why I try to do better in every task I accomplish.
All along, I forgot that God, who is the reason why I keep pushing forth, is also the sole reason why I do good in all things. We dedicate ourselves to doing good, not for our own sake, but for a genuine and higher purpose.
One must not be self-serving to be seen in the eyes of others. We are reminded that we do not need to stand under the spotlight to be noticed by others and to be noticed by God. We need to remember that we need to do what is just, in the right manner and for the right reason.
In whatever we do, we must keep in mind that if we seek God, He will always find us. The spotlight isn’t the brightest light out there, and the people around us are not the audience. Our true light shines as we pursue righteousness, and God is our true spectator.
- Mijie Tanael, St. Scholastica