Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
In the Gospel reading today, Jesus invites us to take a careful look at our interior intentionality. Why do we do and say the things that we do? What are the underlying motivations for our good deeds and virtuous behavior? Are we seeking praise? Do we act from an underlying desire for recognition and admiration from colleagues and peers? What is it that we are really seeking? What fuels us in this regard?
It should certainly be noted that there is nothing inherently wrong with being praised for good conduct. Good conduct is inherently praiseworthy by virtue of the fact that it is good. At the same time, it is critical to examine the deep motives of our hearts to ensure that our good deeds are born from the love of God and the desire for the good of those we serve. For instance, do we give of our time, abilities, and resources because we really, actually desire the good of those whom we serve? Are we content to do what we know is right even if no one (apart from God) were ever to notice? Or do we act charitably when it suits us or will strategically result in recognition?
The point here is not to be hyper-scrupulous or unnecessarily critical about the ways that we serve. Rather, the goal is to ensure that we love God above all and that we do all things from a standpoint of authentic love that truly desires both the good of the other and real union in relationship with God and neighbor.