There
appears to be a contradiction in the first and second readings today, at
first sight; but on closer examination this is not so. The gospel passage
(which is also the one used on Ash Wednesday) tells of doing righteous,
helpful, useful deeds for others secretly and not for show (this should be the
foundation of our Lenten sacrifices and the like). Whether it is giving alms,
praying, or fasting for the good of others – we ought to do so in an inconspicuous
manner: and make them acts that only God can see – the God who sees and rewards
in quiet and secret.
But then in the first reading
it seems like Paul is telling the Corinthians to sow bountifully and visibly,
doing all kinds of things for people so that a rich, abundant and visible
harvest may result. There is really no contradiction here: the result of
generosity in this case is not directed at the one doing the works, but at the
receiver – the poor ones who need our help.
The lesson common to both
readings is that our personal motives must remain private, but the works
themselves can and often times must be made public – and even with our
involvement in them known. But, we do not have to take any credit for doing
great things: all the credit and glory should go to God: who inspires the
projects in the first place, and carries them through by means of his Spirit.
We are only impartial servants!
Our Father in heaven will
reward us if we try to strike the proper balance between doing great things for
others; and doing them for ourselves using others!
Blessed
is the man, the woman, who fears the Lord.
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